Kevin W. Brinck Richard J. Camp Paul C. Banko Ayesha S. Genz 2018 <p>The palila (Loxioides bailleui) population was surveyed annually from 1998–2018 on Mauna Kea Volcano<br>to determine abundance, population trend, and spatial distribution. In the latest surveys, the 2017<br>population was estimated at 1,177−1,813 birds (point estimate: 1,461) and the 2018 population was<br>estimated at 778−1,420 (point estimate: 1,051). Only two palila were detected outside the core survey<br>area during a mountain-wide survey in 2017, suggesting that most, if not all, palila inhabit the western<br>slope during the annual survey period. Since 1998, the size of the area containing palila detections on<br>the western slope did not show a significant change, suggesting that the range of the species has<br>remained stable; although this area represents only about 5% of its historical extent. During 1998−2003,<br>palila numbers fluctuated moderately (coefficient of variation [CV] = 0.20). After peaking in 2003,<br>population estimates declined steadily through 2011; since 2010, estimates have continued to decline at<br>a slower rate. The average rate of decline during 1998−2018 was 168 birds per year with very strong<br>statistical support for an overall declining trend in abundance. Over the 21-year monitoring period, the<br>estimated rate of change equated to a 76% decline in the population.</p> application/pdf en University of Hawaii at Hilo 2017-2018 Palila abundance estimates and trend reports