The endangered Hawaiian stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) and endangered Hawaiian coot (Fulica alai) are uncommon statewide in the Hawaiian Archipelago. On Hawaii Island, these waterbirds are restricted to a few wetlands, including 2 ancient Hawaiian fishponds at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. An avian botulism outbreak was documented there in 1994, and population estimates before and after the outbreak were made. The outbreak appeared to interrupt the coot's, but not the stilt's, breeding season. The coot population was decimated, but the stilt population appeared to have been less impacted. Both populations have recovered substantially, although the amount of immigration into these populations is unknown. Continuous rigorous removal of fish and bird carcasses appears to have controlled botulism outbreaks at the site. The potential for catastrophic loss of endangered waterbirds at major wetlands on other Hawaiian Islands should be reevaluated for site management and recovery plans.
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