A new study led by a University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa researcher shows that avian malaria can be transmitted by nearly all forest bird species in �鶹��ý, helping explain why the disease is present almost everywhere mosquitoes are found across the islands.

The research, , found avian malaria at 63 of 64 sites tested statewide, including areas with very different bird communities. The disease, caused by generalist parasite Plasmodium relictum, is a major driver of population declines and extinctions in native Hawaiian honeycreepers.

“Avian malaria has taken a devastating toll on �鶹��ý’s native forest birds, and this study shows why the disease has been so difficult to contain,” said Christa M. Seidl, mosquito research and control coordinator for the , who conducted this research as part of her PhD at the University of California, Santa Cruz. “When so many bird species can quietly sustain transmission, it narrows the options for protecting native birds and makes mosquito control not just helpful, but essential.”

Impact, spread of avian malaria

Avian malaria weakens birds by damaging red blood cells, often leading to anemia, organ failure, reduced survival and, in some species, death. For example, reports and studies have shown that mainly because of avian malaria, or scarlet honeycreeper show a 90% mortality rate if infected, and the , a Hawaiian honeycreeper endemic to Kauaʻi, is now considered extinct in the wild.

Unlike many diseases where only a few species play a major role in spreading infection, the study found that most bird species in �鶹��ý—both native and non-native—are at least moderately capable of infecting southern house mosquitoes, avian malaria’s primary vector. Even birds carrying very low levels of the parasite were able to pass the disease to mosquitoes. As a result, many different bird communities can support ongoing malaria transmission.

“We often understandably think first of the birds when we think of avian malaria, but the parasite needs mosquitoes to reproduce and our work highlights just how good it has gotten at infecting them through many different birds,” Seidl said.

The study analyzed blood samples from more than 4,000 birds across Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui and �鶹��ý Island and combined the data with laboratory experiments measuring how easily mosquitoes became infected after feeding on birds. Researchers found that introduced and native birds often had overlapping levels of infectiousness, meaning both groups can contribute to disease spread. Also, because individual birds can harbor chronic avian malaria infections for months to many years, the researchers estimated this long period when birds are low to moderately infectious drives most of disease transmission.

The broad ability of avian malaria to infect and spread likely explains why the disease is so widespread across the islands. The findings also suggest there are few, if any, mosquito-infested habitats that are free from transmission risk. To make matters worse, mosquito-free habitats are rapidly disappearing as warming temperatures allow both mosquitoes and avian malaria to develop in former refuges.

Seidl and the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project are part of Birds, Not Mosquitoes, a partnership of academic, state, federal, non-profit and industry partners facilitating mosquito control for Hawaiian bird conservation.

The Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project is housed under the in the . All birds featured were captured and handled in accordance with state/federal permits by trained ornithologists.

A rare North American bumble bee may have been on a path toward extinction long before modern human impacts, suggesting that its long-term genetic vulnerability made it especially fragile and less able to cope with both past and current environmental stresses. The findings of the new study were published in the on October 20, and co-authored by a University of �鶹��ý at Mānoa researcher.

The study focused on the Franklin bumble bee, once found only in parts of Oregon and California and last seen alive in 2006. Using DNA extracted from museum specimens collected over the past 40 years, scientists reconstructed the species’ genetic history to understand why it disappeared.

They found that the bees had very low genetic diversity and signs of inbreeding that dated back thousands of years. Population declines began during a glacial period and worsened in recent centuries, and may have been influenced by natural stressors such as drought and wildfire. Contrary to earlier hypotheses, researchers found little genetic evidence linking disease or pesticide exposure to the bee’s disappearance.

The Franklin bumble bee’s small population size and limited genetic diversity left it vulnerable long before modern human impacts, making it less able to cope with environmental stresses such as drought, fire or other natural challenges.

“Bumble bees are essential for pollinators of wild flowers and food crops important to human nutrition across the planet,” said study co-author Jonathan Berenguer Uhuad Koch, an associate professor and co-principal investigator in UH ����ԴDz�’s (PCSU). “In �鶹��ý, where native pollinators are also under pressure from habitat loss, invasive species and climate change, the study offers broader lessons on how genetic factors can shape species’ resilience and extinction risk.”

The research also highlights the value of museum collections as a tool for modern conservation. By sequencing DNA from the tissues of preserved specimens, scientists can uncover how population sizes change over time and identify which species may be most at risk in the future. The study was led by a team of researchers from multiple U.S. institutions, including UH Mānoa, and underscores the importance of identifying the long-term biological and environmental factors that shape pollinator declines.

Koch credited the late Robbin W. Thorp as a key mentor who inspired his career in pollinator conservation. Koch met Thorp while in graduate school and joined him in the field searching for the Franklin bumble bee, an experience that shaped his lifelong commitment to understanding and protecting endangered bee species.

PCSU is housed in UH ��ā�ԴDz�’s .

The University of �鶹��ý at ��ā�ԴDz�’s and the (PEPP) in UH ��ā�ԴDz�’s joined forces with Honolulu Beerworks to host “Sips for Seedlings,” an outreach and fundraising event on October 11, at Honolulu Beerworks’ new Kalihi taproom.

The event, which drew more than 200 people, spotlighted efforts to protect �鶹��ý’s most endangered native plants, while inviting the community to learn more through hands-on engagement and collaboration.

Attendees enjoyed the re-release of Hāhā-Loha, a limited-edition grape sour ale inspired by the conservation of rare Hawaiian plants. The beer was originally created through a partnership among the three organizations to spark public interest in native plant protection. A portion of proceeds from beer sales, as well as contributions from Shaka Mobile Bar and Local Boiz Mixed Tea, supported ongoing conservation and education work at Lyon Arboretum and PEPP.

Throughout the day, Lyon Arboretum staff shared educational materials, photographs and displays highlighting the islands’ threatened flora. Visitors also had the opportunity to purchase plants grown by the arboretum and participate in keiki-friendly activities designed to foster awareness of native ecosystems.

“Our goal is to make conservation approachable and engaging for everyone,” said Lyon Arboretum Education Manager Raedelle Van Fossen. “Events like ‘Sips for Seedlings’ remind our community that protecting �鶹��ý’s native plants isn’t just about science—it’s about connection, culture and ensuring these species have a future in our islands.”

The Hāhā-Loha label featured artwork by UH Hilo alumna and former Lyon Arboretum summer intern Saxony Charlot, whose work celebrates �鶹��ý’s biodiversity and the people dedicated to preserving it.

Nearly all little fire ants along the Lanikai loop in Windward Oʻahu are on track for eradication thanks to the efforts of University of �鶹��ý researchers working with community members.

During an assessment in February 2024, dozens of locations along the Lanikai loop and beach areas were found to harbor invasive little fire ants. Researchers with the and , both in the in the UH ����ԴDz� , conducted a large-scale treatment effort over 26 acres to combat the infestation. Between March 2024 and January 2025, ant baits were applied eight times across affected areas. To assess the extent of the invasion, more than 3,600 ant samples were collected, and treatment was carried out at 85 residences and 1.5 acres of the beach.

The latest survey, conducted in February 2025, collected more than 2,000 samples, with only a single ant detected. The affected area was immediately re-treated, and the project has now entered a long-term monitoring phase to ensure the infestation does not resume.

“This project demonstrates that with persistence, community involvement and science-based treatments, we can effectively control little fire ants,” said �鶹��ý Ant Lab Manager Michelle Montgomery. “Continued monitoring and stable funding are essential to ensure these invasive pests do not return and threaten our ecosystems again.”

To be considered fully eradicated, no little fire ants can be detected for a minimum of three consecutive years. Since the ants were first identified in Lanikai in 2019, residents have struggled to manage infestations, with limited resources making large-scale control efforts difficult.

Little fire ants are a highly invasive pest known for their painful stings, which can harm people, pets and wildlife while disrupting ecosystems.

The �鶹��ý Ant Lab and Oʻahu Invasive Species Committee continue to support community-driven little fire ant control efforts across �鶹��ý. Both organizations rely on funding from the �鶹��ý Invasive Species Council, the Department of Land and Natural Resources, the Department of Defense, and other government and non-profit sources. Officials stress that stable, long-term funding is crucial to ensuring sustained efforts to eliminate invasive species and protect local ecosystems and communities.

The University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�, in partnership with state and local organizations, will establish a joint facility for two major bird conservation programs on Kauaʻi, following the state Board of Land and Natural Resources’ approval of a land transfer on January 10.

The 25-year, no-cost lease grants UH ����ԴDz�’s (PCSU), housed in the , use of a former dog pound site in Hanapēpē. The facility will bring together the Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project and the Kauaʻi Endangered Seabird Recovery Project under one roof.

“Our mission is to protect and restore �鶹��ý’s native species, ecosystems, and cultural resources,” said PCSU Director Shaya Honarvar. “The forest bird and seabird recovery projects on Kauaʻi epitomize this mission by combining research and conservation of federally and state protected native birds; some of which would already be extinct without the intervention of the project’s talented and dedicated teams.”

Crucial timing

The facility comes at a critical time as the forest bird project has doubled its budget and staff in response to declining bird populations and advancements in addressing mosquito-borne diseases. The shared space will also provide the seabird program, previously operating from a shipping container, with a permanent home.

Lisa “Cali” Crampton, who leads the Kauaʻi Forest Bird Recovery Project, said the combined facility will enhance collaboration between the programs.

“This allows us to share staff knowledge and skills more easily,” Crampton said. “A major synergy will be having space for cross-training, not only with our seabird partners, but also with our DLNR (Department of Land and Natural Resources) colleagues. There are many overlaps between various types of avian research and conservation, so being together provides great learning opportunities.”

The (RCUH) recognized 21 employees for their contributions to research at UH in a ceremony held in November.

Researcher/Project Manager Category

• First Place: , �鶹��ý Wildlife Ecology Lab, UH ����ԴDz� College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR)
• Second Place: , Kauaʻi Invasive Species Committee, UH Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit
• Honorable Mentions:
  , grants office, Kapiʻolani Community College
  , Soil Health, Environment, and Ecosystem Resilience Lab, UH ����ԴDz� CTAHR

Project Support Staff Category

• First Place: , Center for Resilient Neighborhoods, Kapiʻolani CC
• Second Place: , GEAR UP and Kūlia ma Kapiʻolani, Kapiʻolani CC
• Honorable Mentions:
  , Curriculum Research and Development Group, UH ����ԴDz� College of Education
  , Center for Excellence in Learning, Teaching and Technology, Kapiʻolani CC

Teams Category

• First Place: (Jon Avery, Jerard “Ziggy” Jardin, Jason Klem, Nikolai Turetsky), UH ����ԴDz� School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST)
• Second Place: (Marco Castro, Dylan Moniz), UH Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit
• Honorable Mentions:
  (Emily Contreras, Nan Himmelsbach, Andrea Lee Schmidt), SOEST
  (Douglas Astrande, Tracy Miyashiro, Travis Perez, Aaron Zimmer), UH Institute for Astronomy

Nominees were evaluated on:

• Initiative taken to develop the achievement or to advance the project.
• Leadership and resourcefulness in implementing the achievement or to advance the project.
• Impact of achievement on the project, professional field, and/or larger community.
• Other information on the importance, significance, and/or quality of the achievement.

In response to recent discoveries of illegal releases from private marine aquariums across the state, the University of �鶹��ý and other organizations launched an awareness campaign, “,” aimed at stopping this unlawful behavior.

The campaign is spearheaded by Christy Martin, program manager of the (CGAPS), a project of the UH ����ԴDz� housed in the UH ����ԴDz� .

One instance of an aquarium release involved the illegal soft coral known as “pulse coral” or “pulsing xenia” (Unomia stolonifera). It has spread from what is believed to be the initial release site to now occupy a nearly 80-acre footprint near the mouth of Pearl Harbor.

Some marine aquarium releases are thought to be from hobbyists that were not aware of no-kill and rehoming alternatives, possible harm to the environment, or that the species released were illegal to import and possess.

The has also responded to several public reports of non-native or suspicious marine species of hard corals and anemones that appear to have been purposefully outplanted from illegal aquariums into nearshore environments by hobbyists, for later collection and sale on the black market. This is also illegal and poses multiple risks to the marine environment.

“During the past year, a similar marine aquarium species of soft coral native to the Red Sea was found spreading on reefs in Puerto Rico. With the global increase in marine aquarium ownership, and the U.S. being the largest consumer, we should expect to see an increase in releases,” Martin said.

UH student designs logo

Martin has served as a guest speaker for UH classes, highlighting current issues, needs and opportunities to participate. In fall 2023, she shared her description of the situation in Pearl Harbor with the (MOP) class and piqued the interest of Hannah Chang, a recent graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, who is working on her second bachelor’s degree in marine biology. Chang created the logo for the new campaign.

“When I learned about the impacts that pulse coral is having in �鶹��ý, I wanted to find a way to help,” Chang said, whose experience includes scientific illustrations and whimsical character designs. “Working on this project helped me gain some real-world experience and I am happy with the responses to the new logo.”

Chang’s logo was officially introduced and launched at a media event on October 28 at the Waikīkī Aquarium. She hopes to continue to use her background in art and marine biology as a science communicator to raise awareness about marine biodiversity.

“Awareness campaigns are critically important, and Hannah’s contributions to this effort are deeply appreciated,” Martin said.

UH MOP Director Cindy Hunter added, “This is a great example of how the Marine Option Program provides opportunities for any UH student with ocean interests to engage in real-world experiences as they progress toward their career goals.”

An organization to protect Oʻahu’s vital water resources, the (KMWP), celebrated 25 years in August. Funded through grants and donations, KMWP operates as a project of the within the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s .

Founded in 1999 by eight organizations, KMWP has grown into a coalition of 17 landowning partners and 10 associate partners dedicated to preserving the Koʻolau mountains’ watershed. This milestone coincides with the time it takes for a raindrop falling on the mountains to reach the underground aquifers that supply 90% of Oʻahu’s potable water.

The partnership now stewards more than 100,000 acres of public and private lands across the Koʻolau range. Its efforts focus on protecting native forests, which are crucial for soil retention, water absorption and aquifer recharge.

“What makes this partnership special is the immense support that these partner organizations have for one another,” KMWP Program Associate Brad Suenishi said. “It’s amazing to have so many partnering organizations collaborate with one common goal to preserve the Koʻolau Mountains.”

KMWP’s work extends beyond the mountaintops, impacting agriculture, residential areas, businesses and ocean ecosystems.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we’re not just looking back with pride, but forward with renewed commitment,” said KMWP Planner Jesse Adams. “The challenges of climate change and population growth make our mission more critical than ever. We’re deeply grateful for the support of our partners and the community, and we remain steadfast in our dedication to preserving the Koʻolau watersheds for generations to come.”

Over the years, KMWP has implemented various conservation strategies, including invasive species control, fencing and feral ungulate monitoring, and native plant restoration.

“Landscape level conservation often occurs on long timescales, but I have seen a significant positive impact from KMWP‘s work during my 10 year tenure,” KMWP Wildlife Management Specialist Jordan Lewis said.

Funding for projects comes from a variety of sources, including the �鶹��ý State Department of Forestry and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and non-government groups. A recent project, funded by the �鶹��ý State Department of Health’s Clean Water Branch, resulted in the planting of 574 native plants in the Waiheʻe and ����ԴDz� Cliffs restoration sites.

The organization’s impact is far-reaching. Approximately 30% of rainfall in the Koʻolau Mountains flows into streams, throughout the entire island from mountains to sea. KMWP’s efforts help minimize erosion, reduce fire and flooding risks and maintain the health of Oʻahu’s water systems.

Community support crucial

The partnership’s success relies heavily on the support of its member organizations and landowners, which provide access to priority watershed forests and, in some cases, funding opportunities.

“The success of KMWP over the past 25 years is a direct result of our dedicated landowner partners who have opened their lands for conservation efforts,” Adams said. “These access rights are vital because plants and animals, whether native or invasive, do not respect property boundaries. Partnership access means that the KMWP project field staff can protect more of our remnant native forests and control invasive species.”

The organization welcomes new partners to join its mission. For more information, .

Three new public impact research papers on invasive species issues were published on the U.S. Department of Interior’s website, and the University of �鶹��ý at ����ԴDz�’s Christy Martin played a role in each.

Appointed in 2023 to the U.S. Invasive Species Advisory Committee (ISAC), Martin worked with her ISAC colleagues to research and produce three white papers to advise the National Invasive Species Council, focusing much of her effort as co-chair for the subcommittee that drafted a paper on how .

The paper provides examples of how several invasive species impact different underserved communities, including Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, while also pointing out the challenges of using the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST) which is intended to be a guide for federal agencies to provide support, including for invasive species issues.

“As this paper illustrates, it is vitally important to support communities like Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders, and others that have been historically underserved,” Martin said. “However, we found that there are significant gaps in available data that preclude identifying underserved communities, much less those that are overburdened due to invasive species, and there is no regular, systematic, longitudinal data available and incorporated into the CEJST on invasive species or their impacts in different areas. Further, there are many barriers that underserved communities face, and nothing can replace the value of engaging with these communities directly to understand their needs and how best to provide support.”

There are many barriers that underserved communities face, and nothing can replace the value of engaging with these communities directly to understand their needs and how best to provide support.
—Christy Martin

The other two papers are and .

As the program manager of the , a project of the UH ����ԴDz� in the , Martin has more than two decades of experience working on invasive species issues in �鶹��ý and the Pacific region.

The Invasive Species Advisory Committee was created by Executive Order 13112 and continued by Executive Order 13751, and consists of 12 appointed members and five non-voting advisors, from state, territorial, tribal, and local governments, as well as academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. .

A team of researchers from the and are leading the charge to explore the relationship between hooved animals and the spread of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD). Maps of hard hit districts on �鶹��ý Island were recently released online from a collaborative study involving community, county, state and federal experts and in infecting ʻōhiʻa trees with the fatal fungus, Ceratocystis lukuohia, that cause ROD and how fencing can help prevent the spread of the disease.

According to UH researchers, the animals damage healthy trees by digging up roots and stripping off bark. The damage makes the tree more susceptible to infection by the fungal spores carried in soil or the wind.

Fence-off �鶹��ý’s forests

Spatial data, collected using remote-sensing technology, high-resolution satellite and helicopter imagery obtained from January 2019 through January 2023, show a greater spread of ʻōhiʻa die off in unfenced areas hooved animals can access and significantly lower ʻōhiʻa mortality in forest areas where hooved animals are blocked out by fencing. The UH researchers teamed with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Department of Hawaiian Homelands, The Nature Conservancy, National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to assess data from forested areas within Hāmākua to Kaʻū on �鶹��ý Island. The project is funded by the DLNR and U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

“The surveying and monitoring of ʻōhiʻa forests remains one of our team’s top priorities,” said Brian Tucker, a ROD data specialist at UH ����ԴDz� through the university’s Research Corporation. “These observations help guide our research projects, forest management practices and public outreach. We noticed a trend where the forests have less mortality due to ROD when protected from feral animals, especially cattle and pigs. We love our forests and it gives us hope because there are tools available for meaningful action to minimize the most devastating effects of ROD.”

Closer-look at ROD impacts

In October 2022, high-resolution satellite imagery analysis of two equally sized areas across the fenced boundary of �鶹��ý Volcanoes National Park showed 99% of the 3,398 suspected trees impacted by ROD were in the unfenced area.

Analysis of remote-sensing and high-resolution satellite imagery occurred collaboratively with Tucker and researchers at the UH Hilo (SDAV) laboratory, with UH Hilo student geospatial analyst Naiʻa Odachi performing much of the work. The lab specializes in geospatial technology, which is integral in obtaining aerial imagery to detect ʻōhiʻa mortality at an individual tree level.

“Remote sensing using aerial and high-resolution satellite imagery has allowed researchers to expand monitoring capabilities on �鶹��ý Island,” said Odachi, who is pursuing a master’s in at UH Hilo. “This imagery is used to identify individual dying ʻōhiʻa trees and can be used to direct field crews for sampling and ultimately lab analysis to confirm ROD infection.”

At the 2023 �鶹��ý Conservation Conference this summer, Odachi presented ROD investigations she conducted at UH �ᾱ����’s SDAV and won the Outstanding Graduate Student Oral Presentation Award.

This newly published study stems from led by UH Hilo Geographer Ryan Perroy, a professor of and director of the SDAV research lab. Perroy’s team revealed significant differences in areas on �鶹��ý Island with and without ungulates, suggesting that ungulate exclusion is an effective management tool to lessen the impacts of ROD in forested areas in �鶹��ý.

• Related UH News story: Rapid ʻōhiʻa death linked to hoofed animals in UH Hilo research, August 17, 2021

“With ʻōhiʻa making up 80% of our remaining native forests, preventing or reducing damage from ROD and hooved animals is critical for protecting our watersheds and only source of fresh water in �鶹��ý,” said Rob Hauff, state protection forester at �鶹��ý DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

ROD spread outlook

ʻŌhiʻa mortality has been observed in every district on �鶹��ý Island, with some areas showing very high rates of mortality. Outbreaks with significant ROD mortality were also reported on Kauaʻi. This collaborative study is geared toward building upon effective management strategies already in place to help protect �鶹��ý’s remaining ʻōhiʻa, and increase native forest regeneration and restoration.