SRA

Populations of endemic songbirds on Kaua'i have decreased to dangerously low numbers. The primary cause appears to be the ascendancy of invasive mosquitoes and Plasmodium relictum to elevations formerly free of these introduced parasites. We assess kinship among individuals, levels of genetic variation and population decline in two of the most critically endangered species, the 'akikiki (Oreomystis bairdi) and 'akeke'e (Loxops caeruleirostris), and determine pedigree relationships for emergency captive propagation programs currently underway.