Conservation Strategies for the Akikiki for Preventing Extinction

The Akikiki (Oreomystis bairdi), a critically endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper, faces imminent extinction due to habitat loss, climate change, and the spread of avian malaria. Once abundant on Kauai Island, its population has dwindled to fewer than 50 individuals, with projections indicating extinction could occur between 2022 and 2025. Key conservation actions include captive care, conservation translocations, reduce mosquito abundance, translocation of native malaria-tolerant species to new areas, conservation breeding (mate choice program), protect alakai plateau from invasion of introduced plants and feral ungulates, and landscape-level mosquito control through the Wolbachia Incompatible Insect Technique. However, these methods either require significant time, resources, or present ethical concerns. This paper aims to explore the multifaceted threats to the Akikiki, summarize the existing urgent conservation strategies, and recommend captive care as the optimal conservation as it offers the highest probability of success in preventing the Akikiki's extinction, although it poses challenges related to cultural, social, and economic factors. To address these concerns, a collaborative approach involving local communities and stakeholders is recommended to ensure the long-term survival of the Akikiki.