Millions of Mosquitoes Released from Helicopters in Hawaii to Save Rare Birds from Extinction
In a bold and unconventional effort to rescue Hawaii’s endangered honeycreeper birds from the brink of extinction, conservationists have launched a daring campaign involving the mass release of millions of mosquitoes. These mosquitoes, however, are not ordinary; they carry a special bacterium that acts as a form of birth control for mosquito populations, aimed at curbing the spread of avian malaria devastating the native bird species. The honeycreepers, endemic to Hawaii and known for their vibrant colors and diverse beak shapes adapted for various diets, are facing a severe threat from malaria transmitted by non-native mosquitoes introduced centuries ago. With no natural immunity to the disease, these birds can succumb to malaria after just one mosquito bite, contributing to the rapid decline of their populations. According to reports, 33 species of honeycreepers have already become extinct, and the remaining 17 species are critically endangered, with some on the verge of extinction
