We can still save the honey rampichino? In the forests of Hawaii they remain alone 17 of the approximately 60 species of the iconic bird, but a new study led by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance indicates that perhaps we could still save him (if we do soon).
The species are facing a quick decline mainly due to the avian malariaa ubiquitous pathology that affects the Aviatory species all over the worldcaused by parasites belonging to the genre Plasmodium (Apicomplexa: Haemosportida) and transmitted by mosquitoes of the genre Culicidae.
THE’Increase in temperaturesin fact, has allowed non -native mosquitoes, vectors of the disease, to spread higher in the mountains, and this has removed refuge from these birds, they are not immune. The effects of avian malaria have been particularly devastating on the island of Kauaiwithout habitat at high altitude.
Two species in serious danger of extinctiontheAkikiki and theAkeke’eare endemic of Kauaiand have undergone a falling of the population of over 99% in the last two decades. Efforts are currently underway to control mosquito populations by releasing males incompatible from a reproductive point of view.
They are estimated that they remain Less than 100 specimens of ‘Akeke’eand in the meantime, the ‘Akikiki‘ I am extinct in nature: the only hope remained for the species is therefore through a reproduction program of about 40 individuals at the Maui and Keauhou Bird Conservation Centersmanaged by San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
Through the genomic analysis of three species of honey climbing, theAkikiki el ‘Akeke’e and of the extinct ‘little Ouli‘, the researchers have meanwhile provided a detailed analysis of the genomic diversity, of the depression from consanguinity and the risk of extinction.
In one Running against time to save the remaining honey ramposnecessary information on their survival are found in their genetic kit – explains Christopher Kyriazis, the main author of the work – our results provide a new understanding of the last remaining individuals, while the recovery efforts in their native forests and in human care
According to forecasts, in current conditions, it is likely that the ‘Akeke’e they extinguish themselves in the near future. However, if the current efforts for mosquito control are successful, Recovery is still possible.
The rampichines of Hawaii honey maintain a high genetic diversity and, although high genetic diversity can increase their potential for adaptation to threats, they could also increase theirs Vulnerability to depression from consanguinitygiven the rapid decline in the size of the population that in the‘Akikiki is already in place.
The consanguineous birds have in fact produced less offspring and have had lower survival. But this information can be used for Improve the selection of the partner and further orient farming decisions.
We will never hear the song of the rampty of the honey of the little Oulibut we can learn from its genetic code
concludes Oliver Ryder, Conservation Genetics Director at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
The work was published on Current Biology.
Sources: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance / Current Biology
