Meet 3 Hawaiian Honeycreepers That Might Go Extinct By 2032

Forbes - Apr 17th, 2025
Open on Forbes

Hawaiian honeycreepers, once vibrant inhabitants of the islands' forests, are now facing critical threats leading them towards extinction. Among the affected species, the ʻAkekeʻe, Maui parrotbill, and ʻĀkohekohe are experiencing dramatic declines in population due to factors such as avian malaria, habitat loss, and invasive species. Conservation efforts, including captive breeding and mosquito control, are underway but face challenges such as limited funding and the species' reluctance to reproduce in captivity. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service predicts that these species could vanish from the wild within the next decade.

The broader context reveals the dire impact of climate change and human activity on Hawaii's native bird species. Avian malaria, exacerbated by rising temperatures, has infiltrated the birds' last refuges, while habitat destruction continues to narrow their living spaces. The fate of these honeycreepers highlights the importance of urgent conservation measures and the need for sustainable practices to mitigate climate change effects. The story underscores the critical role of funding and innovative conservation strategies in safeguarding these unique species for future generations.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

8.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article is a well-crafted piece that effectively raises awareness about the endangered status of Hawaiian honeycreepers. It excels in accuracy, clarity, and readability, providing a comprehensive overview of the threats these birds face and the conservation efforts underway. The story is timely and engages readers with its vivid descriptions and structured narrative. However, it could benefit from greater transparency in sourcing and a broader range of perspectives to enhance balance and impact. While it addresses a significant environmental issue, its potential to provoke controversy or drive significant public action is somewhat limited. Overall, the article is informative and engaging, with room for improvement in source attribution and engagement strategies.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The story accurately presents the plight of Hawaiian honeycreepers, supported by official reports and conservation literature. Key claims about the number of endemic species, extinction rates, and threats like avian malaria and habitat loss are well-documented. For instance, the article's assertion that 95 of 142 endemic avian species have disappeared aligns with broader conservation data. The predicted extinction timelines for specific honeycreepers, such as the 'Akeke'e by 2028 and the Maui parrotbill by 2027, are consistent with estimates from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and DLNR. However, the article does not mention the 'akikiki, another honeycreeper facing imminent extinction, which is a notable omission given its relevance to the topic.

8
Balance

The article provides a balanced view of the threats facing Hawaiian honeycreepers by discussing various factors such as avian malaria, habitat loss, and climate change. It highlights conservation efforts like captive breeding and mosquito control, presenting a comprehensive picture of the challenges and solutions. However, it primarily focuses on the conservationist perspective without delving into opposing views, such as those who might question the feasibility or effectiveness of certain interventions. This lack of diverse viewpoints slightly reduces the balance, though the piece remains largely objective in its presentation.

9
Clarity

The article is well-written, with a clear structure and logical flow. It effectively introduces the issue, outlines the specific threats to each honeycreeper species, and discusses conservation efforts. The language is accessible, making complex ecological issues understandable to a general audience. The use of vivid descriptions, such as the 'flamboyant crest and flame-orange streaks' of the 'Ākohekohe, enhances reader engagement. However, the article could benefit from more explicit explanations of technical terms like 'Wolbachia-infected males,' which might not be familiar to all readers.

8
Source quality

The article appears to rely on credible sources such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Department of Land and Natural Resources, which are authoritative entities in wildlife conservation. The information about population estimates, extinction predictions, and conservation strategies is likely derived from these reliable sources. However, the article does not explicitly cite these sources, which would enhance its credibility. Including direct quotations or references would provide readers with clearer insights into the source material's authority and reliability.

7
Transparency

The article provides substantial context about the threats to Hawaiian honeycreepers and the conservation efforts being undertaken. However, it lacks explicit transparency regarding its sources and methodologies. While it discusses the impacts of climate change and invasive species, it does not explain how these conclusions were reached or the specific data supporting them. Greater transparency in citing sources and explaining the basis for claims would improve the article’s credibility and allow readers to better assess the information's validity.

Sources

  1. https://www.fws.gov/story/2024-04/birds-brink
  2. https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/C-2.pdf
  3. https://abcbirds.org/news/race-to-save-hawaiian-honeycreepers-2022/
  4. https://www.staradvertiser.com/2022/04/15/breaking-news/4-hawaiian-honeycreepers-predicted-to-become-extinct-within-10-years/
  5. https://www.nationalparkstraveler.org/2025/02/hawaiian-bird-species-risk-extinction-halt-federal-funding