Hawaii Deploys Drone Mosquitoes in Desperate Bid to Save Endangered Birds

Wednesday - 30/07/2025 04:09

Hawaii's native birds face extinction due to mosquito-borne diseases like avian malaria. Introduced in the 20th century, mosquitoes now threaten iconic species like honeycreepers. Climate change worsens the crisis, allowing mosquitoes to spread to higher elevations. Scientists are deploying drones to release mosquitoes as a novel solution. Conservation efforts include habitat restoration and captive breeding to save Hawaii's unique birdlife.

Hawaii's unique and diverse native bird species are under severe threat from invasive mosquitoes. In a groundbreaking effort to combat this crisis, scientists are utilizing drones to release live mosquitoes into the islands' remote forests, according to Vox Media.

Drone releasing mosquitoes over Hawaiian forest

Drone deployment aims to tackle the extinction emergency facing Hawaii's native birds.

The urgency of this situation stems from the devastating impact of invasive species, including feral pigs and stray cats, which have already led to the extinction of hundreds of unique Hawaiian species. With many native animals teetering on the brink, conservation efforts are racing against time.

Hawaii's Honeycreepers: A Battle Against Avian Malaria

Avian malaria, a disease transmitted by non-native mosquitoes, poses a significant threat to Hawaii's forest birds, particularly the iconic honeycreepers. Climate change exacerbates the problem by enabling mosquitoes to thrive at higher elevations, encroaching upon the remaining bird habitats.

The honeycreeper population has dwindled from over 50 species to a mere 17, with many already lost forever. Scientists are focusing on malaria as the primary driver of these extinctions and are exploring innovative solutions, such as drone-based mosquito releases, to mitigate the disease's impact.

Mosquito-Borne Diseases: A 20th-Century Plague

Mosquitoes, not indigenous to Hawaii, were introduced in the early 20th century. Since then, they have rapidly spread, becoming a major menace to the islands' native bird populations. Diseases such as avian malaria and avian poxvirus, transmitted by mosquitoes, are responsible for significant bird mortality.

The Devastating Impact on Native Bird Populations

The presence of mosquitoes has had a catastrophic effect on Hawaii's native bird populations. Numerous species, including the Palila and the Akikiki, face imminent extinction. Given that these species are exclusive to Hawaii, their loss would have far-reaching consequences for the region's ecosystem and global biodiversity.