AKIAPOLAAU Hemignathus wilsoni (Rothschild) 



Order: PASSERIFORMES Family: DREPANIDIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : Small bird with head and breast yellow; upper parts 

 olive green; abdomen dull yellow. Long, down-curved upper mandible, lower 

 mandible, short and straight. 



Present distribution : Confined to upper forests of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, island of 

 Hawaii. Three sightings in the Kilauea Koa Forest made in 1970 by Banko. Seen in 

 recent years in mamane forest of Mauna Kea by Andrew S . Berger . Seen in very small 

 numbers by various observers in 1972 in Keahou Forest Reserve on island of Hawaii. 



Former distribution : Much more widely distributed and more numerous than at present. 



Status : Now nonexistent or very uncommon over wide range of upper forests. 



Estimated numbers : Unknown . 



Breeding rate in the wild : Unknown . 



Reasons for decline : Introduction of foreign birds, avian diseases, and insect vectors; 

 elimination and alteration of natural forest by man and introduced ungulates, including 

 domestic livestock and feral sheep and goats . 



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

 State and Federal Governments of introduction of foreign species of birds . Limited field 

 investigations are underway to develop guidelines for action programs . 



Measures proposed : More complete control of introduction of foreign species of birds 

 and mammals and reduction of those already present in range of this species . Restora- 

 tion and protection of natural forest habitat and establishment of wildlife refuges. Study 

 of ecological requirements and limiting factors . 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 that could be applied to Hawaiian forest birds . 



Number in captivity : Unknown . 



Breeding potential in captivity : Unknown . 



References: 



Banko, W. 1970. in lit. 



Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Administrative Reports . 

 Hawaii Division of Fish and Game Administrative Reports. 



IGng, W. B. and D. Bratley . 1964. Birds on Hawaii's "Bio Island" Elepaio 25(2): 8. 

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



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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