Annual Variation in the Distribution, Abundance, and Habitat Response of the Palila (Loxioides bailleui)

• DOI: 10.2307/4086892
• Publication Date: 2012-09-14T11:21:36Z
• Authors: J. Michael Scott; Stephen Mountains...; Charles van Riper; Cameron B. Kepler; James D. Jacobi; Timothy A. Burr; Jon G. Giffin
• Keywords: Understory; Population density; Numerical response

Abstract We studied the distribution, population size, and habitat response of Palila (Loxioides bailleui) during 1980-1984 nonbreeding seasons to infer factors that limit develop management strategies. Distribution was fairly constant from year year. were confined subalpine woodland on Mauna Kea island Hawaii, occurred between 2,000 2,850 m elevation, reached highest densities southwest slopes. The showed large annual fluctuations, 6,400 birds in 1981 1984. width most important variable determining response. more common areas with greater crown cover, taller trees, a higher proportion native plants understory. Annual variation density within reflected levels their staple food, mamane pods. main limiting appeared be availability good food. had strongly depressed Pohakuloa flats area. This low could not explained by gross features or food levels. Site tenacity, thermal stress, disturbance, disease hypothesized explanations. Our study indicated effective strategies would removal feral ungulates certain noxious extension zone now intensively grazed.