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Operations II

Operations II

Session: Operations II

54 - Aerial application of bacterial larvicides for control of avian malaria in Hawaiʻi

Tuesday, March 5, 2024
4:40pm – 4:50pm  
Location: D2
Abstract: Avian malaria is one of the drivers of critical declines of endangered Hawaiian honeycreepers, endemic birds that are vital to forest function in the Hawaiian islands. With increasing encroachment of the vector mosquito Culex quinquefasciatus into endangered bird habitat due to climate change, effective control of avian malaria will require significant population reduction at a landscape scale. Here, we report on implementation and efficacy of aerial application of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (VectoBac, Valent Biosciences) and Bacillus sphaericus (VectoLex, Valent Biosciences) in remote montane forests of Kauaʻi and Maui. Use of Bti tools in conservation management is not widespread. Here, we monitor efficacy of application in two forest types at the larval and adult stage. This implementation offers considerations for vector control in other environments with challenging access and logistical processes.