Hemignathus lucidus

Taxonomy

Assessment Information

Geographic Range

Population

Habitat and Ecology

Threats

Conservation Actions

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Taxonomy [top]

Kingdom	Phylum	Class	Order	Family
ANIMALIA	CHORDATA	AVES	PASSERIFORMES	FRINGILLIDAE

Scientific Name:

Hemignathus lucidus

Species Authority:

Lichtenstein, 1839

Common Name/s:

English

–

Nukupuu, Nukupu'u

Assessment Information [top]

Red List Category & Criteria:

Critically Endangered D ver 3.1

Year Assessed:

2009

Assessor/s:

BirdLife International

Reviewer/s:

Symes, A., Butchart, S., Bird, J.

Contributor/s:

Baker, P., Camp, R., Baker, H., Fretz, S., Gorresen, M., Woodworth, B., VanderWerf, E.

Justification:
The last confirmed sightings of this species were in 1995-1996 at Hanawi on Maui, with none since then despite extensive effort in a large proportion of the historic range. However, it cannot yet be presumed to be Extinct until further surveys have confirmed that there is no reasonable doubt that the last individual has died. Any remaining population is likely to be tiny, and for these reasons it is treated as Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct).

History:

2008	–	Critically Endangered
2004	–	Critically Endangered
2000	–	Critically Endangered
1996	–	Critically Endangered
1994	–	Critically Endangered

Geographic Range [top]

Range Description:	Hemignathus lucidus is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands (USA). On Kaua`i, it is probably confined to the `Alaka`i Wilderness Preserve^3,10where it was apparently recorded a few times in 1984-1998, although at least some, if not all, of these sightings appear to refer to H. kauaiensis^1,8,14. Recent surveys on Kauai have failed to find it, and it seems likely to be extinct^15,16. On Maui, it is found on the eastern and north-eastern slopes of Haleakala, where there were several unconfirmed detections in 1986-1998, although a single male seen in 1995 (seen by more than one qualified observer and backed up by detailed field notes⁸) in the same place as a report from 1994 provided strong evidence of its persistence^1,8,9. There have been no other confirmed sightings since then despite extensive effort in a large proportion of the historic range, including annual surveys by NPS, two State sanctioned surveys, monthly surveys in Hanawi, TNC surveys and efforts by the Maui Forest Bird Recovery team. Although not all of these programmes surveyed locations where the species was last observed, many surveyed highly likely locations^14,16. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (in review) concluded that in all probability this species is extinct or functionally extinct. In addition, a recent statistical analysis of physical evidence and independent expert opinion, as part of a study into the burden of proof required for controversial sightings of possibly extinct species, concluded that this species has probably been extinct since the early 20th century; however, when controversial sightings are included in the analysis the species's extinction is estimated to have occurred since the late 1990s¹⁷. This discrepancy occurs because some authors regard all sightings since 1900 as unconfirmed and thus controversial^14,17. The species, however, should not be reclassified as Extinct until further surveys have eliminated any reasonable doubt that the last individual has died. If any population remains, it is likely to be tiny.
Countries:	Possibly extinct: United States
Range Map:	Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.

Population [top]

Population:	Any remaining population assumed to be tiny, with no confirmed records since 1996 despite surveys.
Population Trend:	Unknown

Habitat and Ecology [top]

Habitat and Ecology:	It inhabits dense, wet `ohi`a forest and the higher parts of mesic koa-`ohi`a forest^6,10. On Maui, all recent sightings were between 1,450 and 2,000 m, mostly at the lower end of that range¹⁰. On Kaua`i, the Koai`e Valley (where it was seen in 1995^3,8) is at 1,000-1,300 m⁷. It feeds on wood-borers, spiders and beetles^3,6,9,10.
Systems:	Terrestrial

Threats [top]

Major Threat(s):	The lower-elevation koa forests (possibly the species's key habitat) have been nearly eliminated by cattle-ranching⁹. Remaining higher-altitude forests are degraded by introduced ungulates^4,9,10,12. Feral pigs facilitate the spread of alien plants and introduced disease-carrying mosquitoes^4,7. On Kaua`i, all bird populations appeared to have been drastically reduced after Hurricane Iniki in 1992⁷, although some have since recovered. It has been extirpated from the koa-`ohi`a forests of Koke`e, suggesting that it is sensitive to perturbation. Other suggested limiting factors include predation and competition from exotic bird and insect species^1,13.

Major Threat(s):

The lower-elevation koa forests (possibly the species's key habitat) have been nearly eliminated by cattle-ranching⁹. Remaining higher-altitude forests are degraded by introduced ungulates^4,9,10,12. Feral pigs facilitate the spread of alien plants and introduced disease-carrying mosquitoes^4,7. On Kaua`i, all bird populations appeared to have been drastically reduced after Hurricane Iniki in 1992⁷, although some have since recovered. It has been extirpated from the koa-`ohi`a forests of Koke`e, suggesting that it is sensitive to perturbation. Other suggested limiting factors include predation and competition from exotic bird and insect species^1,13.

Conservation Actions [top]

Conservation Actions:	Conservation Actions Underway On Maui, fencing and feral pig eradication has been completed in a c.650 ha area where the male was recorded in 1994^1,11. In Waikamoi Preserve, Hanawi Natural Area Reserve and Haleakala National Park, efforts have been made to combat the establishment of alien plants^4,11. On Kaua`i, the Koai`e Stream area has been intensively managed to conserve Puaiohi Myadestes palmeri, and may have helped any H. lucidus that remain in the area^3,13. Conservation Actions Proposed Conduct surveys to locate any remaining populations. If any birds are found, attempt to increase the population by captive propagation¹⁰. Research competition from exotic bird and insect species⁵.

Conservation Actions:

Conservation Actions Underway
On Maui, fencing and feral pig eradication has been completed in a c.650 ha area where the male was recorded in 1994^1,11. In Waikamoi Preserve, Hanawi Natural Area Reserve and Haleakala National Park, efforts have been made to combat the establishment of alien plants^4,11. On Kaua`i, the Koai`e Stream area has been intensively managed to conserve Puaiohi Myadestes palmeri, and may have helped any H. lucidus that remain in the area^3,13.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Conduct surveys to locate any remaining populations. If any birds are found, attempt to increase the population by captive propagation¹⁰. Research competition from exotic bird and insect species⁵.

Citation:	BirdLife International 2009. Hemignathus lucidus. In: IUCN 2011. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2011.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 09 February 2012.
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