' ^ KAUAI NUKUPUU Hemignathus lucidus hanapepe (Wilson) 



Order: PASSERIFORMES Family: DREPANIDIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : Small bird with upper parts and breast yellow, white 

 on abdomen; feet slately black. Long, down-curved bill with upper mandible twice 

 length of lower. Female smaller and duller colored than male. 



Present distributiorl : The upper rain forest of the island of Kauai , Hawaii . Known to 

 occur at present only in the Alakai Swamp . 



Former distribution : Probably more generally distributed than at present, but seldom 

 seen below 4,000 feet elevation (Munro, 1960). 



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

 and power dam proposed on edge of Alakai Swamp. 



Estimated numbers : Unknown . 



Breeding rate in the wild : Unknown . 



Reasons for decline : Possibly introduced avian diseases with insect vectors and 

 destruction of habitat. 



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

 State and Federal Governments of introduction of foreign species of birds. Establishment 

 of the 10,000-acre Alakai Swamp Wilderness Preserve by Hawaii State regulation which 

 prohibits disturbance of the major habitat. Limited field investigations in progress. 



Measures proposed : Restoration and preservation of native forest habitat and establish- 

 ment of wildlife refuges or sanctuaries, and exclusion of human and domestic animal 

 interference in area where known to exist at present. Initiate propagation program and 

 develop techniques applicable to Hawaiian forest birds. Initiate ecological and life 

 history research. Prevent introduction of harmful insects, plants, and animals. Control 

 of feral grazing animals. Publicize critical status and aesthetic and scientific values. 

 Quarantine on all birds , including cage birds brought into the State to prevent 

 introduction of disease . 



Number in captivity : Unknown . 



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



Museum Bull. 227 pp. 

 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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