The 'akeke'e is critically endangered because its habitat, on the Hawaiian island of
Kauai is being destroyed in various ways.
- introduced flowers are replacing the native plants that they need.
- wild pigs and goats are also destroying the native plants.
- forest clearing in parts of the island is destroying the native plants
- the insects that the 'akeke'e feeds on are disappearing because the native plants are disappearing.
- the 'akeke'e are catching avian malaria and fowlpox from introduced mosquitoes, and now only live above the 1100 metre level.
