The anianiau is a species of hawaiian honeycreeper endemic to the hawaiian island of kauai

The species has been suffering calamitous declines owing to the spread of avian malaria, which is vectored by invasive mosquitoes. The most recent survey data (collected in spring 2023) suggest that anianiau densities have decreased 61% from 1.42 birds HA in 2018 to 0.55 birds HA in 2023, with a concurrent 62% decrease in their range. Although the population in 2018 was estimated at about 9000 anianiau, the not yet officially estimated current population for the species is therefore likely vastly diminished to about 2500 birds. This population crash represents a time-sensitive crisis for this species. Unfortunately, landscape-level control of mosquitoes to benefit this species and other species of greatest conservation need (sgcn) will not be implemented until late 2024. To minimize the risk of their extinction, we must a) immediately establish an insurance population by bringing wild anianiau into captivity, b) improve our protocols for caring for this species in captivity, c) conduct research to understand the nesting behavior, habitat use, diet, and disease status of this and other sgcn such as the federally listed puaiohi, akekee, and iiwi, and d) conduct outreach to inform the public of this dire crisis. We therefore request funds for field teams to locate and monitor territories and nests of anianiau and other sgcn, collect anianiau eggs from nests, and capture adult anianiau and other species. Anianiau eggs and adults will be taken by helicopter to a facility on kauai where they will be held briefly before transfer to their ultimate home in the SAN diego ZOO wildlife alliance and honolulu ZOO facilities on other hawaiian islands. The eventual goal is to release aniainau back into the wild on kauai once mosquito numbers are controlled or suppressed. We also request funds to support these zoological partners as they develop husbandry techniques for this species and for our outreach program.