Abstract

The introduction of mosquitos and avian malaria are considered to be primary factors contributing to population declines and changes in the distribution of many native Hawaiian forest birds. Mosquito and malaria dynamics (abundance, location etc.) are strongly influenced by climate, particularly rainfall and temperature. Successful conservation of Hawaiian forest birds requires an analysis of climate change and its impact on the future disease risk of native bird populations. Key objectives of this research will be to 1) predict changes in avian malaria across space and time as a result of anticipated climate change, 2) evaluate the potential for bird species extinctions, 3) research and consider birds’ genetic adaptation to malaria, and 4) assess the costs and effectiveness of conservation strategies to mitigate impacts on bird populations. This project will provide the first quantitative assessment of the long-term impact of climate change on bird malaria distribution and on Hawai`i's unique forest birds, and provide a crucial tool to adaptively manage recovery and promote disease resistance among avian populations.