ʻApapane

Apapane are small at when fully grown. They are sexually dimorphic in size: male apapane have a mass of , while females average . Apapane also glean insects and spiders from leaves and small twigs in the canopy; they do not forage on the ground. In 1953, a study of 63 'apapane found that 87% of them had butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) in their stomachs; 75% had eaten hoppers (Homoptera); 60% ate lacewing larvae (Neuroptera); and 43% had recently consumed spiders (Arachnida). Other native trees that 'apapane use for foraging are māmane (Sophora chrysophylla), koa (Acacia koa), naio (Myoporum sandwicense), kōlea (Myrsine lessertiana), alani (Melicope sp.), kanawao (Broussaisia arguta), koki'o ke'oke'o (Hibiscus arnottianus), and 'ōlapa (Cheirodendron trigynum). Breeding The breeding season starts between October and November, peaking between February and June. Apapane nests are often on the terminal branch of ōhia; nests have been found in tree cavities and lava tubes as well as in the top of koa, kāwau (Ilex anomala) and hapuu (Cibotium tree ferns). The female lays 1-4 eggs and incubates for 13 days. and 20,521 ± 1,687 est. 2009 for West Maui ), Molokai (38,643 ± 2,360 est. 1979), Oahu (24,000 ± 2,600 est. 1991), and Lānai (540 ± 213 est. 1979). Their populations are stable and are considered a species of least concern by IUCN. == Threats and conservation ==

'Apapane are the most abundant honeycreeper species with the largest range. The total population has been estimated at more than 1.5 million individuals with the largest populations on Hawaii and Maui Islands. The main threats for 'apapane are habitat loss, disease and the introduction of alien species. 'Apapane can be found on all of the main Hawaiian Islands except Niihau and Kaho'olawe, where it is primarily found at high elevations where rates of avian malaria are comparatively low. The species is also threatened by non-native mammalian predators such as Small Indian mongooses, rats, and feral cats. The species has the highest reported prevalence of avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum), but their mortality is lower than most other honeycreeper species. Their high infection prevalence may be the result of their seasonal migrations to lower elevation forests putting individuals in contact with mosquitoes, particularly the introduced southern house mosquito, the primary vector of avian malaria, which are less common at higher elevations. It is believed that at least a small portion of the population is becoming resistant to malaria, as some pairs have been seen breeding in mid-elevation forests, ~300m, where the rate of malaria transmission is high. Today there are no direct actions being taken concerning this species. However, conservation actions to help rarer species of birds throughout Hawaii will also help the apapane. Organizations throughout the islands have established nature reserves to protect native habitats. Fencing off sections of land to keep out feral ungulates, especially pigs, goats, and axis deer enables native plants to recover from overgrazing and helps restore native bird habitat. In recent years another threat has put native bird habitat at risk. Conservation groups are diligently working to reduce the risk of spreading a fungal disease called Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD). This disease, along with ōhia dieback and ōhia rust, could lead to a rapid decline in ōhia forests, an important nectar source for apapane. ==References==