Natural History Wanderings

From Central Sierra Audubon

Avian malaria in Hawaii: past, present, and future”

4/21/21 at 6:30 pm  Zoom log-in info:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85363260801

Presenter Gabbie Names
Since the introduction of avian malaria to Hawaii a mere century ago, the disease has contributed to devastating declines of the native avifauna. In most Hawaiian forest birds, avian malaria causes high mortality. A few species are able to cope with infection, including the Hawaii Amakihi (pictured right), but surprisingly little is known about what allows the birds to survive infection. In this presentation, Gabbie will provide a brief overview of the history of avian malaria in Hawaii and discuss some of the findings from her PhD involving the causes and consequences of avian malaria resilience in Hawaii Amakihi.