Akiapola'au  (Hemignathus munroi)

As with many species on Hawaii, the 'Akiapola'au is threatened by deforestation and habitat degradation due to livestock grazing, and is also preyed upon by introduced rats and feral cats. The introduction of mosquitoes to Hawaii has resulted in the spread of avian diseases which confine many bird species, including the 'Akiapola'au, to higher elevations. This species has a low reproductive rate and is slow to recover from population reductions (2).

Relatively large 'Akiapola'au populations are found within the boundaries of Ka'u Forest Reserve and Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge. Outside these areas some habitat is being restored (2), and young koa forests on the volcano of Mauna Loa now support high densities of Akiapolaau (6). It is hoped that the 'Akiapola'au might be re-introduced into other newly restored habitat. Plans to restore corridors of habitat between areas of forest occupied by the 'Akiapola'au may reduce the damaging effects of habitat fragmentation, including inbreeding depression (2).