Hawaii Elepaio
VU

Hawaii Elepaio

Chasiempis sandwichensis

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawai%CA%BBi_%CA%BBelepaio

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Hawaii Elepaio faces severe pressure from introduced predators, particularly black rats and feral cats that prey on eggs, nestlings, and adults. Habitat degradation from invasive plant species like strawberry guava and miconia has altered forest structure and reduced insect prey availability. Disease transmission from introduced bird species and mosquito-borne avian malaria pose additional threats, with climate change potentially expanding the range of disease vectors into higher elevation refugia.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Hawaii Elepaio inhabits native and mixed forests on the Big Island of Hawaii, primarily in ohia-lehua and koa forests at elevations ranging from sea level to 2,000 meters. It shows preference for areas with dense canopy cover and abundant arthropod prey, including both wet and dry forest ecosystems.

Threatened in United States

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
VU

Nephrotoma lundbecki

Unknown
Pyrgulopsis erythropomaCR

Pyrgulopsis erythropoma

Unknown
VU

Jasmineira caudata

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Hawaii Elepaio classified as Vulnerable?
Hawaii Elepaio is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Hawaii Elepaio faces severe pressure from introduced predators, particularly black rats and feral cats that prey on eggs, nestlings, and adults. Habitat degradation from invasive plant species like strawberry guava and miconia has altered forest structure and reduced insect prey availability. Disease transmission from introduced bird species and mosquito-borne avian malaria pose additional threats, with climate change potentially expanding the range of disease vectors into higher elevation refugia.
Where does Hawaii Elepaio live?
Hawaii Elepaio occurs in United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Hawaii Elepaio?
The main threats to Hawaii Elepaio are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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