Hawaii has adopted a unique technique to save rare birds. Millions of mosquitoes are being released from helicopters in the country. It is said that, huge flocks of colorful birds were dying of malaria first seen in the 1800s by European and American ships carrying mosquitoes. Due to not having developed immunity, the birds can die after being bitten by infected mosquitoes only once. The number of Honeycrown pheasants in the country has become extinct and many of the 17 species are highly endangered, it is a matter of concern that if no action is taken, then this entire species may become extinct within a year. The only solution to this is to release as many mosquitoes as possible.
To save the honeycreeper, 250,000 male mosquitoes are being dropped from a helicopter across the country onto the remote archipelago islands along with a naturally occurring bacteria that acts as a form of birth control. Already 10 million mosquitoes have been killed.
Unique way to save birds
“The only thing that’s more tragic is if [the bird] went extinct and we didn’t try. You can only do it if you try,” Chris Warren, forest bird program coordinator at Haleakala National Park on the island of Maui, told the Maine news agency. According to the National Park Service, the population of a honeycreeper, Kauai creeper, or kakikiki, is projected to increase from 450 in 2018 to five in 2023, with only one bird left in the wild on the island of Kauai.
Honeycreepers have a canary-like song and incredible diversity. Each species has evolved with a special beak shape, designed to eat a variety of foods, from snails to fruit. They are a vital part of the ecosystem of plants, helping animals to eat.
Fifty lakh mosquitoes will get sick in a week
This includes dropping 2,50,000 male mosquitoes weekly from helicopters. The situation is dire for birds like the Kauasi Lata, with a population of more than 450 in 2018, but today only one known bird remains in the wild. As climate change is driving mosquitoes to higher altitudes, the birds’ last refuge is coming under threat.
Dr Nigel Beebe of the University of Queensland, who has researched similar things, particularly noted this approach for conservation efforts. However, he warned that long-term mosquito elimination remains challenging, especially for mainland areas.
