CR

Palila

Loxioides bailleui

Declining

Overview

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

The Palila faces severe threats from habitat degradation caused by introduced ungulates, particularly feral goats and sheep, which destroy the māmane-naio dry forest ecosystem essential for its survival. Invasive plant species further degrade nesting and foraging habitat, while introduced predators like feral cats pose additional mortality risks. Climate change exacerbates these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and potentially shifting suitable habitat zones upslope beyond the species' current range.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Palila is endemic to the dry māmane-naio forests on the upper slopes of Mauna Kea, Hawaii, between 2,000-3,000 meters elevation. This specialized finch depends almost exclusively on māmane trees for nesting sites and seed pods, which comprise up to 90% of its diet.

Forest· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSite/area managementInvasive/problematic species controlHabitat & natural process restorationSpecies managementSpecies recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationAwareness & communications

Other threatened species in FRINGILLIDAE

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Akekee

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Argentinean Horned FrogVU

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Ceratophrys ornata

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Paddlefish

Polyodon spathula

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Polystachya longiscapa

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Palila classified as Critically Endangered?
Palila is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Palila faces severe threats from habitat degradation caused by introduced ungulates, particularly feral goats and sheep, which destroy the māmane-naio dry forest ecosystem essential for its survival. Invasive plant species further degrade nesting and foraging habitat, while introduced predators like feral cats pose additional mortality risks. Climate change exacerbates these pressures by altering precipitation patterns and potentially shifting suitable habitat zones upslope beyond the species' current range.
Where does Palila live?
Palila 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 Palila?
The main threats to Palila are 11.1, 11.2, 2.3, and 5.3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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