MOLOKAI CREEPER (KAKAWAHIE) Loxops maculata flammea (Wilson) 



Order: PASSERIFORMES Family: DREPANIDIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : Small bird, males bright scarlet with brownish wing and 

 tail, females dull brownish gray becoming almost white below and sparingly washed with 

 pinkish buff, young males resemble females or are in partially scarlet plumage. 



Present distribution : Endemic to island of Molokai where it is restricted to boggy 

 forests of the eastern mountains . 



Former distribution : Known only from the above area . 



Status : Exists in extremely small numbers. Thought to be extinct prior to 1961 

 sightings. Seen also in 1962 and 1963 (Pekelo, 1963). 



Estimated numbers : Unknown . 



Breeding rate in the wild : Unknown . 



Reasons for decline : Alteration of natural environment by man through clearing and 

 grazing by domestic livestock and introduced goats and Axis deer. Probable suscepti- 

 bility to exotic avian disease . 



Protective measures already taken : Protected by State law . Selective limitation of 

 introduced foreign species of birds . Field research program underway to determine 

 status and base guidelines for future conservation action. 



Measures proposed : Preservation of natural environment, including establishment of 

 needed refuges. Prevent introduction of harmful insects, plants, and animals . Control 

 of feral grazing animals and livestock. Initiate ecological and life history research. 

 Publicize critical status and aesthetic and scientific values. Quarantine on all birds, 

 including cage birds brought into the State to prevent introduction of disease . Initiate 

 propagation program and develop techniques applicable to Hawaiian forest birds . 



Number in captivity : None . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Unknown . 



References 



Amadon, D. 1950. The Hawaiian Honeycreepers . Bull. Am. Mus . Nat. Hist., 



Vol. 95, Art. 4. 

 Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Administrative Reports 

 Hawaii Division of Fish and Game Administrative Reports 

 Munro, G. C. 1944. Birds of Hawaii . 

 Pekelo, N., Jr. 1963. Some notes from Molokai. Elepaio 23(12): 64. 



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