Avian Malaria Threatens Hawaii’s Forest Birds
A recent study has revealed alarming news for Hawaii’s native bird species. Almost every type of forest bird in the state is now spreading avian malaria, raising serious concerns for wildlife in this popular tourist destination.
This research, published in Nature Communications, explains why the disease is widespread in areas where mosquitoes thrive across the Hawaiian Islands. Scientists from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa and the University of California collected blood samples from more than 4,000 birds at 64 different locations throughout the islands.
To delve deeper, they conducted experiments that allowed mosquitoes to feed on infected birds and monitored how the disease spread under various temperatures. The findings showed that both native and non-native birds can transmit the disease to the mosquitoes. Even birds that carry only a small number of parasites can keep the disease alive for months or even years.
Christa M. Seidl, a researcher for the study, expressed the worrying impact avian malaria has had on Hawaii’s bird population. “Avian malaria has been especially harmful to Hawaii’s native birds,” she stated. “This study highlights the difficulty in controlling such a widespread disease, which makes mosquito control crucial for protecting these species.”
The research found that unlike many diseases that may spread through only a few animal types, avian malaria circulates among a wide range of birds. The National Park Service has warned that the presence of mosquitoes—non-native insects in Hawaii—could lead to the extinction of some forest bird species. The ʻakikiki, a bird native to Kauai, is now believed to be extinct in the wild due to this disease.
While avian malaria shares a lineage with the malaria that affects humans, it cannot be passed on to people, according to the National Audubon Society. Even if not fatal, the disease can negatively impact birds’ DNA, potentially shortening their lifespan. It can also be passed down to the next generation, leading to offspring with reduced lifespans.
Researchers did acknowledge some limitations in their study. They primarily used lab-bred canaries to explore how malaria spreads, which may not represent all wild bird species. Additionally, measuring the exact amount of saliva carrying the disease in mosquitoes posed technical challenges.
Overall, the study underscores the urgent need for effective mosquito control measures to safeguard Hawaii’s unique forest birds from the growing threat of avian malaria.
