Honeycreeper endemic to the islands of maui NUI that is identified as a state species of greatest conservationneed (sgcn) in hawaiis state wildlife action plan (swap)

The kohekohe is currently restricted to a singlepopulation within 2,400 hectares of very wet, high elevation HIA (metrosideros polymorpha) forests on thewindward slopes of haleakal volcano and its current population is estimated at less than 1,768 individuals anddeclining. The predominant threat to the kohekohe is avian malaria (plasmodium relictum) spread by the nonnative southern house mosquito (culex quinquefasciatus). Expert elicitation in 2021 pertaining to recoveryactions for this species identified a direct translocation to other suitable habitat as the conservation actionwith the highest probability of long-term success for kohekohe. The aim of this project is to establish a second population of kohekohe in suitable habitat outside of itshistorical range but in an area with a reduced risk of the encroachment of avian malaria. Several translocationsites are being considered on hawaii island, all of which are predicted to be free of avian malaria through atleast 2100.the first cohort of kohekohe released will inform resource managers of habitat limitations and benefits, movement patterns, threats, and the level of support required following a release. Data gathered from thiscohort will also provide guidance for subsequent releases and possibly other threatened sgcn in hawaii that maysimilarly benefit from conservation translocation. Projected outcomes of this translocation are: 1) establishment of a second population of kohekohe 2) an increase in the species population numbers and range 3) acquisition of data pertaining to kohekohe behavior, species reproduction and population management on hawaii island 4.) sharing of these data with partner agencies and 5.) employment of an adaptive management framework to create an optimal habitat for other species of greatest conservation need on hawaii island.