Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center

Hawai‘i ‘Elepaio

Dry coastal habitat at Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park, Big Island, Hawai‘i.

Mosquito larvae being reared to identify species. Samples collected at the Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park, Hawai‘i. 

Overlooking the Alakai Plateau from the AlakaiSwamp trailhead, Kauai, Hawaii.

Kawaikoi Stream, Kaua‘i

Kawaikoi Stream crossing in the Alaka‘i Swamp, Kaua‘i

Researchers dip sampling for mosquitoes along the Alaka‘i Swamp Trail, Kaua‘i

A female mosquito (Aedes japonicus) reared from larvae collected from the Kawaikoi Stream, Kauai.

Palila nestlings, so young their eyes are not even open yet, wait open-mouthed for their parents to bring them food. Palila nestlings face many threats including rats, cats, and mongoose predators. 

Research projects with the USGS take scientists to beautiful places and Mauna Kea volcano on Hawai‘i Island is no exception. Here is a palila field crew camping site on the north slope of Mauna Kea as the sun sets.  

Palila, a critically endangered Hawaiian bird found only the slopes of Mauna Kea volcano, Hawai‘i Island, Hawai‘i, have faced several threats including invasive cats, rats, and mongoose, and loss of habitat. Dr. Paul Banko has spent decades of his career studying palila populations and threats. In this photo, Dr. Chris Farmer measures the tarsus (lower leg bone) of an