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Like many of Kauai’s forest bird species, the anianiau once thrived island-wide.

Although its range and population has declined in the past 100 years, the anianiau is thought to be stable in its remaining habitat within the forests of the Kokee, Waimea and Alakai regions - at least right now it is.

If the number of disease-free refuges dwindles, forest birds susceptible to malaria, such as the anianiau, could one day find themselves staring into the face of extinction.

On a patch of soggy earth overrun with invasive kahili ginger, Costantini held the anianiau upside down.

Costantini clamped three more bands around the anianiau’s legs.