Project Profile: Address Impacts of Avian Malaria in Hawaii

Kiwikiu (Maui Parrotbill)

Mike Neal

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Invasive Species | FY22 $6M

Inflation Reduction Act
Invasive Species | FY23 - 24 $7,200,000

The National Park Service (NPS), in partnership with state and federal agencies, is actively working to mitigate the impacts of non-native avian malaria threatening the survival of Hawaiian forest birds. The collaborative efforts are focused on deploying the Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) to reduce the Southern house mosquito population in East Maui, particularly in Haleakalā National Park.

Why? East Maui is a hub of biodiversity and a crucial habitat for native forest birds. However, these birds face habitat loss due to climate-driven Culex mosquitoes and avian malaria. Two bird species have seen a drastic decline, with several species having less than 200 individuals remaining in the wild. Recent studies indicate a 50% reduction in the population size of the Kiwikiu (Maui parrotbill) and the ākohekohe (Maui crested honeycreeper) over the last two decades, leaving only about 150 Kiwikiu and 1,750 ākohekohe in the wild. Without intervention, they are projected to become extinct within a decade, if not sooner.

What Else? To address this urgent issue, the NPS and its partners, including the Hawaiʻi Department of Lands and Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have developed and planned the use of biological control methods. A key strategy involves using a naturally occurring bacteria, Wolbachia, to infect male mosquitoes. These infected males can mate but do not produce offspring, leading to a population crash of the mosquito vector. This technique, proven effective on various islands and locations across the United States, will be complemented by the deployment of incompatible Culex males as biopesticides. Additionally, the project will provide employment opportunities for over 10 youth employees from partner organizations, contributing to local community engagement and conservation efforts.

Learn More About This Project

Duration:

5 minutes, 46 seconds

The National Park Service, in partnership with many other agencies and organizations, will use biological control methods to suppress invasive mosquito populations to reduce avian malaria and prevent the extinction of several federally threatened and endangered native forest bird populations at Haleakalā National Park.

About the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law makes critical investments in the resilience and restoration of America’s lands, skies, and waters, and enhances conservation and recreation opportunities. Visitors will see tangible results such as repaired and upgraded trails and campgrounds, removal of invasive species, as well as healthy wetlands, grasslands, and forests. 

About the Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act provides the National Park Service with an historic opportunity to address critical ecosystem resilience, restoration, and environmental planning needs. Projects funded in national parks represent broad-scale and impactful resource investments across every corner of our nation—from Alaska to Florida to Maine.