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Hawaii: mosquitoes dropped save birds:
Biodiversity in Hawaii
Millions of mosquitoes dropped by helicopter to save birds – Hawaii: mosquitoes dropped save birds
This major operation aims to fight avian malaria. In addition, which threatens endemic species. Moreover, Millions of insects are deployed in the forests.
The red IIWI. Meanwhile, an emblematic singer gateway from Hawaii, has a 90% risk of dying if it is stung by an infected mosquito.
Getty Images/500px Plus
- Helicopters drop millions of sterile mosquitoes on Hawaiian forests.
- Avian malaria has decimated endemic birds since the arrival of mosquitoes.
- The technique uses natural bacteria to hinder mosquito fertility.
- This ecological method has already proven its hawaii: mosquitoes dropped save birds effectiveness in twelve other countries.
Millions of sterile male mosquitoes have been dropped by helicopter on the forests of the Mai. In addition, Kauai Islands in Hawaii, in order to save birds threatened with extinction. Similarly, This initiative aims to fight against avian malaria. For example, which decimates local fauna, gradually reducing the population of mosquitoes, reports the daily “Ouest-France”.
Mosquitoes carrying avian malaria arrived on the Hawaiian archipelago in the 1800s with European ships. Endemic birds, which have never been exposed to this disease, have not developed immunity against this condition. The consequences have been disastrous: out of the 50 species of birds which formerly populated the Hawaiian forests. only 17 survived to the present day.
Endless birds
The situation is particularly critical for certain species such hawaii: mosquitoes dropped save birds as red IIWI, an emblematic singer passerine of the archipelago. These birds have 90% risk of dying if they are stung by an infected mosquito. The latest surviving specimens have taken refuge at altitude, where cooler temperatures have so far limited the presence of mosquitoes.
The operation Birds, Not Mosquitoes (Birds, not mosquitoes) uses the technique of incompatible insects (ITT). The male mosquitoes, raised in the laboratory, are modified to carry a natural strain of bacteria which hinders fertility. When they mate with wild females, eggs cannot hatch, which gradually reduces the total population of mosquitoes.
Hawaii soon saved?
Insects are dropped in biodegradable cones by helicopter. This method has the advantage of avoiding the use of pesticides. potentially dangerous for human health and whose effectiveness tends to decrease over time.
This technique has already proven itself in twelve countries to stop the spread of human diseases such as dengue. chikungunya and zika virus. Although the benefit for Hawaiian birds remains to be confirmed. the scientists involved in the project remain optimistic about the expected results.
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Further reading: In the United States, cuts in the expenses wanted by Elon Musk materialize – Twelve transmission homes identified in mainland France; Public health France alert on the risk of epidemic – Pandemic: AIDS: Le Monde may go back 20 years – 3 gadgets that will keep the mosquitoes from your house away this summer – Obesity rates increased in Canada during the pandemic.
