Hawaiian Targets

   We all know Hawaii. We mostly think of it as the 50th state of the United States and one of the most popular vacation spots. But what we know little of is that it is one of the islands that is full of endangered bird species. The only reason the remaining Hawaiian birds species are endangered is because we transport non-native plant species, non-native diseases, and non-native animal species like the mongoose to Hawaii. All of these dangerous non-native plant species and diseases can wreck havoc on the bird's natural habitat. Also, non-natives diseases carried by mosquitoes, predators, feral cattle and pigs can also decline the Hawaiian bird population as well. If that isn't enough, then think about the loss of habitat for farms and human colonization which is also a great threat to the Hawaiian bird population. Being eaten by the mongoose and other non-native predators doesn't keep the population in check. All it does is defy the natural ecosystem and threaten the bird population more and more. In the past, they have lost 71 of their native relatives to extinction, but if we don't act now, then they too will go extinct.

    Federally listed as endangered: Short-tailed Albatross, Hawaiian Petrel, Nēnē, Hawaiian Duck (Koloa), Laysan Duck, Hawaiian Hawk (`Io), Hawaiian Moorhen (`Alae `Ula), Hawaiian Coot (`Alae Ke`oke`o), Hawaiian Stilt (Ae`o), Hawaiian Crow (`Alalā), O`ahu Elepaio, Nihoa Millerbird, Kāma`o, Oloma`o, Puaiohi, Kaua`i `Ō`ō, Laysan Finch, Nihoa Finch, `Ō`ū, Palila, Maui Parrotbill, Kaua`i `Akialoa, Nukupu`u, `Akiapōlā`au, Hawai`i Creeper, O`ahu `Alauahio, Kākāwahie, Hawai`i `Ākepa, Maui `Ākepa, `Ākohekohe, Po`ouli.Threatened: Newell’s Shearwater.