Paroreomyza maculata
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O%CA%BBahu_%CA%BBalauahio
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Paroreomyza maculata faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from invasive plant species that have transformed native Hawaiian forests. Introduced diseases, particularly avian malaria and pox transmitted by non-native mosquitoes, have devastated populations at lower elevations. Competition from introduced bird species for limited food resources and nesting sites has further reduced breeding success in remaining habitat fragments.
Habitat
This Hawaiian honeycreeper inhabits native wet and mesic forests dominated by ohia and koa trees, typically at elevations between 1,200-2,100 meters. The species requires dense canopy cover with abundant native arthropods and nectar sources from endemic plants.
