Tropical forest restoration holds significant potential for mitigating biodiversity loss, particularly in regions with high levels of endemism, such as Hawaiʻi. This study assesses the impact of restoration efforts on avian populations across two restoration sites: Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge and Puʻuwaʻawaʻa Forest Bird Sanctuary. By analyzing changes in canopy cover and bird abundance over a ten-year period using both point count surveys and remote sensing techniques, we examine the correlations between restoration success and the recovery of native bird species such as the ‘i’iwi (Drepanis coccinea) and ‘apapane (Himatione sanguinea). Preliminary results suggest a positive correlation between increased native tree cover and higher relative abundance of native birds in restored areas compared to adjacent non-restored regions. However, the response of avian communities varies by species and site, influenced by factors such as forest maturity, proximity to intact habitats, and ongoing threats from invasive species and disease. This study highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptive management to optimize restoration outcomes and support the recovery of Hawaiʻi’s native avifauna.

Erin Bell is a PhD student with the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at Purdue University. She earned her undergraduate degree in Biology from Carroll College in 2014 and her master’s degree from Miami University in 2020. Prior to enrollment at Purdue, she gained experience in ecological research in Idaho and Montana with the US Forest Service before moving to work in the diverse ecosystems of Hawaiʻi. Working with Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project and their partners since 2019, she developed a passion for native plants and the unique relationships they hold with Hawaiʻi’s forest birds.