Feds move to protect Hawaiian forest birds
The United States recently announced new steps intended to boost the fortunes of native Hawaiian forest birds.
In late December, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said it plans to designate more than 275,000 acres as protected critical habitat for the threatened ’I’iwi, the best known of Hawai’i’s imperiled honeycreepers. The move will protect habitat on the islands of Kaua’i, Maui, and Hawai’i.
“Protecting the places the ’I’iwi calls home will give these beautiful birds their best chance at survival,” said Maxx Phillips, Hawai’i director and staff attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity.
’I’iwi are known for their iconic bright red plumage, black wings, and distinctive long, curved bill. They were once one of the most abundant native forest birds across Hawai’i. The birds now live on only three islands,
