Why are Hawaiian honeycreepers endangered?


Why are Hawaiian honeycreepers endangered? Habitat loss, invasive species, and non-native predators have negatively affected forest bird species for hundreds of years, but introduced diseases, particularly avian malaria, are the greatest threat to forest birds today.


What animal is overpopulated in Hawaii?

Feral cats have established populations on all eight of the main Hawaiian Islands and contribute to widespread ecological disruptions that threaten native Hawaiian wildlife. Feral cats are one of the most devastating predators of Hawai'i's unique wildlife.


Why has Hawaii lost so many birds?

Remaining birds such as the 'Akikiki, 'I'iwi, and Kiwikiu face multiple threats, ranging from loss of their feeding and nesting areas to direct predation by invasive species. Mosquito-borne diseases have further decimated populations of Hawaiian birds.


What are the three main threats to Hawaiian honeycreepers and montane rainforests?

To date, extinctions of the honeycreepers in particular have been driven largely by habitat loss, introduced predators, and diseases (3–6).