Artificial incubation, hand-rearing, behavior, and release of common ‘Amakihi(Hemignathus virens virens): Surrogate research for restoration of endangered Hawaiian forest birds

Publication Type:
 Journal Article
Year of Publication:
 1996
Authors:
 Cyndi Kuehler, Marla Kuhn, Joseph E. Kuhn, Alan Lieberman, Nancy Harvey, Bruce Rideout
Publication/Journal:
 Zoo Biology
Publisher:
 A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services
Keywords:
 , ,
ISBN:
 1098-2361
Abstract:

Abstract 10.1002/(SICI)1098-2361(1996)15:6<541::AID-ZOO1>3.3.CO;2-J In order to test the effectiveness of captive-rearing and release strategies for future restoration of birds in Hawai’i, this pilot study was conducted in forests where introduced avian disease and mammalian predators were present. Methodology used resulted in the first successful hatching of Drepanidinae eggs in an incubator and subsequent hand-rearing of chicks from hatch. Sixteen Common ‘Amakihi (Hemignathus virens virens) (mean hatch weight = 1.4 g) were hand-reared. Two different reintroduction strategies were evaluated for small honeycreepers. Known mortality in the wild after release was due to mosquito-transmitted disease (avian malaria and pox). This pilot study shows that the techniques necessary to hatch, rear, and release endangered Hawaiian honeycreepers are available. However, restoration efforts will probably not succeed unless mosquito-free, predator-controlled reintroduction sites are available or strategies are developed to decrease mortality in naive honeycreepers exposed to disease after release. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

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