HANAPEPE — Destroying the rats is the best way to protect one of Kauai’s critically endangered forest birds.
That’s according to a new study, released by researchers at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and the Kauai Forest Bird Recovery Project, which looked at different ways to manage the Puaiohi population.
The Puaiohi is a native thrush that scientists say is critical for maintaining healthy forests.
Rat control, even at more conservative levels, appeared to be the most effective method of increasing the abundance of the Puaiohi population, according to the study.
Managing other predators like feral cats, avian malaria and things like habitat degradation due to invasive species and livestock were also included in the study.
“This study shows that practical, attainable management activities can increase Puaiohi numbers and prevent the extinction of this unique endemic species,” said lead author Jean Fantle-Lepczyk.
Fantle-Lepczyk continued: “Because many of the issues facing Puaiohi are the same as those faced by the other Hawaiian forest birds, the recommended management activities could have a substantial and valuable positive impact on the other remaining endemic birds of the Alakai.”
The Puaiohi is one of the last six endemic forest bird species remaining in Kauai’s Alakai Wilderness. There are fewer than 500 Puaiohi left in the wild.
