KAUAI AKIALOA Hemignathus procerus (Cabanis) 



Order: PASSERIFORMES Family: DREPANIDIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A bright greenish-yellow bird with an extremely long 

 sickle-like bill, about a third the total length of the bird. 



Present distribution : The upper rain forest island of Kauai, Hawaii. Known at present 

 to occur only in the Alakai Swamp . 



Former distribution : Generally distributed in the heavily forested regions of Kauai. 



Status : Very rare in restricted and vulnerable habitat. Exotic plants becoming 

 established and power and irrigation dam proposed on edge of Alakai Swamp . 



Estimated numbers ; Total unknown . 



Breeding rate in the wild : Unknown . 



Reasons for decline ; Possibly introduced avian diseases and parasites . Alteration of 

 habitat by invasion by foreign plants or browsing by feral and domestic animals. 



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

 and Federal Governments of introduction of foreign birds . Establishment of the 10,000 

 acre Alakai Swamp Wilderness Preserve by Hawaii State regulation which prohibits dis- 

 turbance of the major habitat. Field investigations are underway to develop guidelines 

 for action programs . 



Measures proposed : Restoration and preservation of natural forest conditions of only known 

 area of forest where species occur and establishment of wildlife refuge and sanctuaries. 

 Continue ecological and life history research. Prevent introduction of harmful insects, 

 plants, and animals. Control of feral grazing animals and domestic stock. 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 or develop techniques which could be applied to Hawaiian forest birds. 



Number in captivity : None known. 



Breeding potential in captivity : Unknown . 



References: 



Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Administrative Reports . 



Hawaii Division of Fish and Game Administrative Reports. 



Munro, G. C. 1960. Birds of Hawaii. 



Richardson and J. Bowles. 1964. A survey of the birds of Kauai, Hawaii. Bishop 



Museum Bull. 227. 

 Warner, R. E. 1968. The role of introduced diseases in the extinction of the 



endemic Hawaiian avifauna. Condor 70: 101-120. 



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