Maui Akepa

The Maui ‘Akepa (Loxops coccineus ochraceus) was once a vibrant part of the Hawaiian Islands’ unique avian ecosystem. Native to the island of Maui, this small honeycreeper, with its distinctive dusty green plumage and crossbill, was a common sight in the forests of the island. However, due to a combination of introduced diseases, habitat loss, and predation by non-native species, the Maui ‘Akepa’s population declined dramatically over the 20th century. The last confirmed sighting of this bird was in 1988, and in 2021, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service proposed declaring it extinct. This proposal was formalized on October 16, 2023, when the Maui ‘Akepa was officially delisted from the Endangered Species Act, marking the end of this species’ existence.

The Maui ‘Akepa was a small, four-inch (10 cm) long bird, characterized by its dusty green coloration. Unlike its relative, the more brightly colored ‘Akepa of other Hawaiian islands, the Maui ‘Akepa had a more subdued appearance. The bird had a small, crossed bill—a specialized adaptation that allowed it to pry open leaf buds and extract insects, a feeding behavior typical of the genus Loxops.

Physical Characteristics at a Glance

The bird’s call was described as a slight quivering whistle that ended with a long trill. This vocalization was once a familiar sound in the forests of Maui, where the Maui ‘Akepa could be seen flitting from tree to tree, appearing as a small, fast-moving ball of green fluff.

Taxonomy

The Maui ‘Akepa was a subspecies of the Hawaiian ‘Akepa, Loxops coccineus. It belonged to the family Fringillidae, which includes other Hawaiian honeycreepers. The genus Loxops is known for the specialized crossed bills of its members, which are adapted for feeding on insects found within leaf buds.

Taxonomic Classification

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Passeriformes
• Family: Fringillidae
• Genus: Loxops
• Species: Loxops coccineus
• Subspecies: Loxops coccineus ochraceus (Maui ‘Akepa)

The Maui ‘Akepa was once classified alongside the ‘Akepas of other Hawaiian islands, but its unique coloration and subtle differences in habitat preferences justified its recognition as a distinct subspecies.

Distribution and Range

Historically, the Maui ‘Akepa was widespread across the island of Maui, inhabiting the montane rainforests that covered much of the island. It was particularly associated with forests dominated by ‘ōhi’a lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha) and koa (Acacia koa) trees, which provided essential feeding and nesting sites.

Historical Range

The Maui ‘Akepa was primarily found at elevations between 1,000 and 2,000 meters, where it had access to the dense, native forests that offered protection from predators and a steady supply of food.

Population Decline and Extinction

The population of the Maui ‘Akepa began to decline rapidly in the 20th century due to a combination of factors, including habitat destruction, the introduction of non-native species, and diseases such as avian malaria and avian pox, which were spread by introduced mosquitoes. By the 1980s, sightings of the Maui ‘Akepa had become extremely rare, and the last confirmed sighting occurred in 1988.

Population Decline Over Time

In 2021, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed that the Maui ‘Akepa be declared extinct, a status that was formalized in 2023. The loss of the Maui ‘Akepa is a stark reminder of the fragility of island ecosystems and the profound impact of human activities on native species.

Habitat

The Maui ‘Akepa was a forest-dwelling species, with a preference for the montane rainforests of Maui. These forests were characterized by the dominance of ‘ōhi’a lehua and koa trees, which provided the primary food sources and nesting sites for the bird.

Habitat Requirements

• Primary Habitat: Montane rainforests with ‘ōhi’a lehua and koa trees
• Elevation: 1,000 – 2,000 meters
• Key Vegetation: ‘Ōhi’a lehua, koa, and other native Hawaiian flora

The bird’s habitat was largely confined to the higher elevations of Maui, where cooler temperatures and the absence of mosquitoes offered some protection from avian diseases. However, the introduction of non-native species and the destruction of native forests for agriculture and development severely reduced the availability of suitable habitats.

Behavior

The Maui ‘Akepa was a highly active and social bird, often seen in small flocks. It was known for its agility and rapid movements, as it foraged among the tree canopies in search of food. The bird’s crossed bill was a specialized tool, allowing it to pry open leaf buds and access the insects hidden within.

Vocalization

The Maui ‘Akepa’s vocalizations were an important part of its behavior, particularly in maintaining social bonds within flocks and establishing territory. The bird’s call—a quivering whistle followed by a long trill—was a characteristic sound of Maui’s montane forests.

Feeding

The Maui ‘Akepa had a diet that consisted primarily of insects, which it extracted from leaf buds using its crossed bill. This feeding strategy was particularly effective in the dense canopies of ‘ōhi’a and koa forests, where insects were abundant.

Diet Composition

The bird’s diet also included nectar from native flowers and, occasionally, small fruits. This diverse diet allowed the Maui ‘Akepa to thrive in the rich, native forests of Maui—until the introduction of non-native species and the spread of diseases disrupted this delicate balance.

Breeding

Little is known about the specific breeding behaviors of the Maui ‘Akepa, as the bird became increasingly rare before extensive studies could be conducted. However, it is believed that, like other ‘Akepas, the Maui ‘Akepa built its nests high in the canopy, using twigs and plant fibers.

Breeding Characteristics

• Nesting Site: High in the canopy, primarily in ‘ōhi’a and koa trees
• Clutch Size: Likely 2 to 3 eggs (based on related species)
• Incubation Period: Estimated 14-16 days
• Fledging Period: Estimated 20-24 days

Given the bird’s small population and the increasing pressures from habitat loss and disease, successful breeding events likely became rarer over time, contributing to the species’ decline.

Threats

The Maui ‘Akepa faced numerous threats throughout the 20th century, many of which are common to other Hawaiian honeycreepers. These threats ultimately led to the bird’s extinction.

Key Threats to the Maui ‘Akepa

The introduction of mosquitoes to Hawaii was particularly devastating, as these insects carried diseases to which the Maui ‘Akepa and other native birds had no immunity. Additionally, habitat destruction for agriculture and urban development reduced the availability of suitable nesting sites and food sources, compounding the pressures on the already declining population.

Conservation Efforts and Lessons Learned

Despite the loss of the Maui ‘Akepa, its story offers valuable lessons for the conservation of other endangered species in Hawaii and around the world. The critical need for habitat preservation, invasive species control, and proactive measures against disease cannot be overstated.

Conservation Strategies for Remaining Species

• Habitat Protection: Securing and restoring native forests to prevent further losses of Hawaiian honeycreepers.
• Invasive Species Control: Implementing predator control programs and fencing to protect vulnerable species.
• Disease Management: Developing and deploying mosquito control technologies and researching potential disease resistance in remaining species.
• Climate Change Mitigation: Researching and applying strategies to help native species adapt to changing environmental conditions.

The extinction of the Maui ‘Akepa underscores the urgent need for comprehensive conservation strategies that address the multiple threats facing Hawaii’s native birds.

Conclusion

The Maui ‘Akepa, once a common sight in the forests of Maui, is now a symbol of the fragility of island ecosystems and the devastating impact of human activity on native species. The bird’s extinction is a poignant reminder of the importance of proactive conservation efforts to protect the remaining species of Hawaiian honeycreepers. By learning from the loss of the Maui ‘Akepa, we can better understand the steps needed to prevent further extinctions and preserve the rich biodiversity of the Hawaiian Islands.