The Akikiki or Kauai Creeper (Oreomystis bairdi) is an endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper of warbler-like appearance that gleans insects mainly from tree trunks and branches (Foster et al. 2000). In the absence of detailed study, the bird seems to be dependent on tall trees upon which to forage. Endemic to Kauai Is., the Akikiki survives in native rainforests above 800 m.

Once distributed everywhere in Kauai's montane forests, by 1973 the Akikiki population was estimated to be 6,832 ± 966 (SE) birds confined to two populations at the highest elevations, a main population extending from the Kokee State Park to the Alakai plateau, and a tiny, isolated population on the Laau Ridge (Scott et al. 1986). Akikiki next disappeared from Kokee, by 1981 (Scott et al. 1986). The species still persists on the Alakai plateau and northwest portion of the Na Pali-Kona Forest Reserves in a total range of no more than 36 km2. The main population was estimated to have dropped to 1,472 ± 680 (SE) birds by the year 2000 (Foster et al. in press).

The Akikiki's decline is sadly evident even within the heart of the species' range on the Alakai plateau. Reanalysis of the 1981 survey data revealed that the population density at the time was 174 birds/km2. Akikiki densities first rose between 1981 and 1989 to 214 birds/km2, then dropped by 1994 to 108 birds/km2. In free-fall by 2000, the density had decreased to a mere 26 birds/km2 (Foster et al. in press).

With its range contracting and its population diminishing at an alarming pace, the Akikiki faces few options for survival. The situation is particularly grave because Kauai's mountains, cresting at only 1,590 m elevation, ultimately may not afford safety from mosquitoes and avian disease advancing from lower elevations as the climate warms. While the causes of the Akikiki's precipitous decline have not been studied, condition of its habitat cannot be ignored. Massive tree falls created by two recent hurricanes must have eliminated much substrate for foraging. This loss will eventually be replaced by regrowth of young trees, particularly if encouraged by removing pigs (Sus scrofa) and deer (Odocoileus hemionus).