Hemignathus Explained

Hemignathus is a genus of Hawaiian honeycreepers in the subfamily Carduelinae of the family Fringillidae. All species are endemic to Hawaii.

Extinctions

Many of its species became extinct during the 19th and 20th centuries due to a combination of habitat destruction, introduced predators, and most importantly mosquito-borne diseases. The ʻakiapōlāʻau (Hemignathus wilsoni) may be the last surviving species in the genus.

One species, the giant nukupu'u (Hemignathus vorpalis), is known only from fossils, and became extinct in prehistoric times when Polynesian settlers deforested the lowlands for agriculture.

Taxonomy

There are 5 species in this genus, 4 of which are extinct or possibly extinct:

• Maui nukupuʻu, Hemignathus affinis - critically endangered or extinct, debated 1896 or 1990s^[1]
• Kauaʻi nukupuʻu, Hemignathus hanapepe - critically endangered or extinct, debated 1899 or 1990s^[2]
• Oʻahu nukupuʻu, Hemignathus lucidus - extinct, 1800s^[3]
• Giant nukupuʻu, Hemignathus vorpalis - extinct, Holocene^[4]
• ʻAkiapolaʻau, Hemignathus wilsoni

Notes and References

1. Hemignathus affinis. e.T103823664A104234257. BirdLife International. 2016. 2016. 15 April 2023. 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T103823664A104234257.en.
2. Hemignathus hanapepe. e.T103823616A125584125. BirdLife International. 2018. 2018. 15 April 2023. 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T103823616A125584125.en.
3. Hemignathus lucidus. e.T103823595A181392751. BirdLife International. 2020. 2020. 15 April 2023. 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T103823595A181392751.en.
4. James, Helen F., & Olson, Storrs L. (2003). A giant new species of nukupuu (Fringillidae: Drepanidini: Hemignathus) from the island of Hawaii. The Auk. 120(4): 970–981.