Post by Sebbe on Jan 5, 2015 23:23:20 GMT
Endemic to the island of Kauai. This species was last observed in 1988 at the Pihea Trail. Three of the four populations appear to be extirpated and no individuals have been found at Pihea Trail since 1988 despite survey efforts. With severe threats and no recent records, there is serious doubt as to whether this species is still extant.
This species is historically known from only three sites. This species has been observed a total of 11 times during 52 different survey dates since its discovery in 1952. Researchers estimate that 75 percent of its total potential habitat has been surveyed. The best available information concerning the status of the species at these sites is as follows: (1) A single observation was recorded from one lowland, wet ohia forest site at Wahiawa (Alexander Reservoir) in 1968 (this population is believed to be extirpated); (2) at the Halemanu site, the species was observed in 1970 and last observed in 1972 but not in subsequent surveys as recent as 1996; (3) one individual was observed in 1968 at the Kokee (Nualolo Trail) site and not again during numerous surveys through 1999; and (4) individuals were last observed in 1988 at the Pihea Trail site located at 3,000 ft (915 m), but was not relocated in five subsequent surveys between 1989 and 1999 in that area (USFWS, 2006a).
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