Scientists race to find genetic clues as malaria decimates rare Hawaiian honeycreepers

In Animals, Earth Science, Research News, Science & Nature / 9 January 2018 / 0 comments

By Michelle Z. Donahue

As average annual temperatures increase, mosquitoes have also been on the move—up the mountains of the Hawaiian islands. Once a refuge for native birds susceptible to mosquito-transmitted avian malaria, altitude no longer guarantees safety from a disease that can kill them in a matter of days.

The question of what may happen to these endangered birds as their environments continue to shift due to climate change is key to their ultimate survival. The answer may lie in their genes.

Over the next several years, bird, malaria and mosquito experts from Rutgers University, the Smithsonian, and other research organizations will be working to sequence genomes of the amakihi, a species of Hawaiian honeycreeper with populations that appear to be developing resistance or tolerance to avian malaria. They’ll also be sequencing genomes of the southern house mosquito (Culex quinquefasciatus) and the malaria parasite it carries, Plasmodium relictum, both invasive to Hawaii.

The National Science Foundation awarded the team a four-year, $2.5 million grant to conduct the work.

Continued  

I’iwi at Risk: A Scarlet Bird’s Dangerous Migration

13 Jun 2017

Sara Kaiser

As environmental impacts unfold in Hawaii, I’iwis’ seasonal migrations turn deadly.

The scarlet I’iwi is hard to miss, standing out vibrantly against the deep green backdrop of Hawaii’s foliage. The native bird, a Hawaiian honeycreeper, fits gracefully into its natural habitat. Its curved bill, for example, matches the shape of the native ‘Opelu flower, which makes for easy nectar-sipping. But as environmental impacts turn the seasonal migrations deadly, the I’iwi, classified Vulnerable on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List, is at risk of extinction.

Mosquitoes, feral pigs, and climate change

Avian malaria was introduced to Hawaii around 1826. The disease is carried by mosquitoes and is deadly to many of Hawaii’s birds. Avian malaria is thought to be the most urgent threat facing the I’iwi, which is being considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Today, invasive feral pigs and climate change are creating conditions that favor mosquitoes and put I’iwi at higher risk.

Avian malaria is spreading in Hawaii as the islands become increasingly hospitable to mosquitoes. Mosquitoes need standing water to lay their eggs; feral pigs dig wallows, which collect water and turn into stagnant muddy pools–very attractive to mosquitoes looking to lay eggs.

Meanwhile, the range of suitable habitat for mosquitoes in the region is expanding. Human-induced climate change is causing temperatures to rise globally–including in Hawai’i. I’iwi populations in the lowlands are disappearing as a result of Avian malaria. These and other native birds of Hawaii are more likely to avoid contracting avian malaria when they are in the higher, cooler regions of Hawai’i. However, this mosquito-free range is ever-shrinking as temperatures rise.

Of all the honeycreepers that have been tested, I’iwi are the most vulnerable to Avian Malaria. Current optimistic projections hold that I’iwi will be on the verge of extinction shortly after the turn of the century.

Read on 

Aerial hunting of feral sheep, goats to resume

Updated 6:33 pm, Wednesday, April 10, 2013

HILO, Hawaii (AP) — State workers or contractors eradicating feral sheep and goats in an effort to protect an endangered bird found only in certain parts of Mauna Kea can't be prosecuted under a county ordinance banning aerial hunting, a federal court ruled earlier this week.

A 2012 Hawaii County ordinance passed with strong community support to ban hunting from helicopters or airplanes. It came about because of concerns that eradicating animals by aerial shooting conflicts with cultural and traditional values and creates safety risks, among other things.

But the order from the U.S. District Court in Honolulu on Monday said it's had a "chilling effect" on the state's ability to comply with a 1998 order to eradicate the invasive animals that ravage the forest where the native birds live.

The Hawaiian honeycreeper's population has declined 66 percent in the past decade, with fewer than 2,200 left, according to environmental groups who hail the recent order as crucial to the bird's survival.

Environmental law firm Earthjustice, representing conservation groups, went to court after it found out earlier this year that the state Department of Land and Natural Resources suspended the aerial hunts.

"We reached a court-ordered agreement with DLNR in 1998 that a minimum of two aerial hunts per year were needed if we were to have any chance of removing sheep and goats from Mauna Kea," said Earthjustice attorney David Henkin. "DLNR should not have suspended those hunts without talking to us and the court first. That decision really set back efforts to save the palila, but hopefully we can get back on track."

The next hunt is planned for April 22 to 25, department Chairman William Aila said.

"The recent federal court order prevents the county from prosecuting state employees and private contractors who are used to implement the eradication efforts required by the 1998 stipulated order," he said Wednesday. "Aerial shooting is just one of the many methods used by DLNR to remove sheep, goats, and mouflon from the palila critical habitat, as required by prior federal court orders."

He noted that while the department also rounds up and captures the animals from land, they are sometimes in inaccessible areas.

Hawaii County Corporation Counsel Lincoln Ashida said the ruling is specific to the 1998 order.

"The court did not invalidate the entire ordinance," he told West Hawaii Today, noting that other aerial hunting will remain illegal.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/news/science/article/Aerial-hunting-of-feral-sheep-goats-to-resume-4423529.php#ixzz2Q9nmiLo7