Aerial War Targets 2024 Feature Image

How Aerial Efforts will be Successful to Control Avian Malaria in Hawaii in 2025?

Hawaii launches a bold mission that continues in 2025 to control avian malaria in Hawaii. Main aim is to protect its endangered honeycreepers from extinction. This innovative aerial campaign uses cutting-edge techniques, including drone dispersal and biological solutions, to target mosquitoes responsible for spreading the disease. In this blog, you’ll learn about the science behind these efforts.

Hawaii, as it stands in 2025, is strengthening its position in the fight against avian malaria, a disease that stands in dire threat to the existence of its native birds including the highly valued honeycreepers among others. To control avian malaria spreading mosquitoes is extremely important in Hawaii, for the survival of its birds.

At the epicenter of this effort are advanced techniques of controlling mosquitoes, like the BTi and IIT as Aerial Techniques. These specialists aim to decrease the number of mosquitoes that transmit such a disease. But are these high-tech solutions achieving their purpose of saving the vulnerable environments of Hawaii?

Let us explore the achievements and shortcomings of these modern approaches targeted at protecting the unique birds of Hawaii.

A Helicopters Take part in Aerial war to Control Avian Malaria
A Helicopters Take part in Aerial war against Avian spreading Mosquito-Courtesy: DLNR

Hawaiian avian malaria[1] is a mosquito-borne disease spreading fast and has threatened the birds of Hawaii, including endemic birds that cannot develop immunity to the disease. A disease caused by a parasite transmitted by a mosquito has proved extremely calamitous to many species of native Hawaiian forest birds.

It is an illness caused by a parasite that is spread through the bite of a mosquito and has been particularly disastrous to many native Hawaiian forest bird species.

Impact of Avian Malaria in Hawaii on the Akikiki and Akeke’e

Today, Hawaiian honeycreepers (including the Akikiki and Akeke’e birds) are among the most endangered native birds of Kauai Hawaii. Avian malaria has not just affected but wiped them out. The two species are native to the island of Kaua‘i, but their population has reduced significantly due to exposure to the deadly parasite transmitted by mosquitoes.

functionally extinct Akikiki at Kokee State Park sitting on tree branch
Functionally Extinct Akikiki at Kokee State Park

The natural equilibrium of Kaua’i’s native forests is destabilized by avian malaria. The Akikiki, for example, has been estimated to be fewer than 500 individuals, and researchers are doing their best to make sure that species remains intact.

These birds are very important pollinators of native plants and also control balance in Kauai ecosystems.

Plan to Eradicate Mosquitoes That Transmit Avian Malaria in Hawaii

This massive conservation program was launched and continued in 2025 to eradicate avian malaria. This project, which primarily targets the mosquitoes responsible for spreading avian malaria, involves two key tools: The two approaches Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTi) and the Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT).

BTi is a bacteria found in nature. This bacterium is not harmful for any invertebrates like fishes and birds. It is lethal to mosquito larvae, so they cannot develop into adults. BTi has been applied all over the world to control mosquitoes and does not harm humans or animals. Currently, in Kaua‘i, helicopters are being used to spray BTi over the identified habitats of the Akikiki and other endangered species.

The IIT method entails the release of male mosquitoes treated with a bacterium that makes them incapable of reproducing. Whenever these males mate with the wild females, the eggs do not hatch, thus controlling the growth of mosquitoes in the long run. Together, these two methods are designed to reduce the mosquito population and help Hawaii’s native birds stand a fighting chance.

Targets of the Project

The main aims of the project are to control mosquito breeding in important bird areas, especially the Alaka‘i Plateau of Kaua‘i, decrease the transmission of avian malaria overall, and increase the survival of endangered bird species such as Akikiki and ackee. Another goal is to avoid transmission of the disease to other islands, such as Maui, where these approaches are planned to be applied in 2025.

Do the Targets to Control Avian Malaria-Spreading Mosquitoes Succeed?

Looking at the efforts on Kaua‘i, more progress has been made than indicated here as of 2024. The BTi has been used, and it was noted that after the insecticide is applied, there is a reduction in the number of mosquito larvae in the area. In some areas of the Alaka‘i Plateau, the project team reported that this had reduced mosquitoes there by about 90 %.

But the fight is not over yet. Although the number of mosquitoes is low, avian malaria is still a danger to the akikiki and other endangered species. To remain sustainable in the long run, mosquito control must continue throughout the year and the project extended to other islands, such as Maui. Using BTi and IIT is the key to combating avian malaria, but only time will tell if these methods will be effective.

Past Update in the Last Quarter of the Year 2024

The next phase of the BTi application is currently being implemented in Kaua‘i, with Maui following in 2025 if funding and public support persist. The conservationists are in touch with the Department of Land and Natural Resources for funding and awareness about the necessity of saving Hawaii’s native birds.

Observations during the last quarter of 2024 monitoring revealed that BTi applications apparently help eliminate mosquitoes. Nevertheless, avian malaria is still a threat because the remaining mosquitoes can spread the disease. The project team is considering some adjustments to the strategies, and the usage of IIT might be enhanced, whereas the frequency of BTi applications may be raised.

The IIT method entails the release of male mosquitoes treated with a bacterium that makes them incapable of reproducing. Whenever these males mate with the wild females, the eggs do not hatch, thus controlling the growth of mosquitoes in the long run. Together, these two methods are designed to reduce the mosquito population and help Hawaii’s native birds stand a fighting chance.

Many native Hawaiian birds live in montane forests, where cooler temperatures shield them from mosquitoes. However, recent temperature increases due to climate change have seen mosquitoes invade higher altitudes, thus becoming a new threat to these species. In response, the Incompatible Insect Technique (IIT) was applied to save native birds, and aerial war targets to control avian malaria were taken into action.

Similar Posts