SPECIES PROFILE - Kiwikiu

SPECIES PROFILE - Kiwikiu
Kiwikiu.pdf242.06 KB

Distribution: Kiwikiu currently occur on the windward slopes of East Maui in high elevation ʻōhiʻa forests, predominately in The Nature Conservancy’s Waikamoi Preserve, Hanawī Natural Area Reserve, and in Haleakalā National Park. Increases in climate favorable to mosquitoes has restricted kiwikiu to higher elevation habitats. 

Behavior: Kiwikiu have low population densities, low reproductive rates, and a long juvenile dependency period. A population was successfully maintained in the conservation breeding program for over 20 years, but due to the low reproductive rate, the population did not increase. A reintroduction of captive-bred birds and translocated individuals to Nakula Natural Area Reserve was attempted in 2019. While the translocation was successful, all released birds eventually succumbed to avian malaria. 

Current Status: Estimated wild population in 2021 is 135 individuals. In addition, there are two non-reproductive individuals in captivity. Estimated year of extinction is 2024 to 2032, most likely 2027. 

Link to ECOS ECOS
Environmental Conservation Online System (ECOS) serves a variety of reports related to FWS Threatened and Endangered Species.

Learn more about ECOS https://ecos.fws.gov/ecp/species/7952  

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Fact Sheet
Facility
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Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office
Welcome to the Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office! We are part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's ecological services program. Here we work closely with partners to conserve fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats throughout Pacific Islands. The areas we help to protect include the...
Conservation Office
Honolulu,HI
Program
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The Ecological Services Program works to restore and protect healthy populations of fish, wildlife, and plants and the environments upon which they depend. Using the best available science, we work with federal, state, Tribal, local, and non-profit stakeholders, as well as private land owners, to...
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Species
A kiwikiu sits on a branch. It has

The Maui Parrotbill is one of the larger (20 to 25 grams; 0.68 to 0.85 ounce; 5 1/2 inches in length) and more unique Hawaiian honeycreepers. It has a large head, powerful neck, a massive curved, parrot-like bill, stout legs, and short wings and tail. Adult kiwikiu of both sexes are olive-green...

FWS Focus
Species
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Animalia
Taxonomic Rank
Species
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Endangered and/or Threatened species
FWS and DOI Region(s)
Pacific