Long-term population variability in the palila, an endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper

Annual surveys of the entire range of the endangered Palila (Loxioides bailleui Oustalet) on Mauna Kea, Hawai'i, were conducted during 1980-1995. The majority of the Palila population was found on the southwestern slope of Mauna Kea near Pu'u La'au, and the range of Palila has not changed since 1975. The Palila population was highly variable. Mean population size during 1980-1995 was 3390 plus or minus 333 SE, but the population ranged from 1584 plus or minus 324 in 1985 to 5685 plus or minus 535 in 1981. Population size outside the population center near Pu'u La'au has decreased significantly since 1980.