Reflection

Reflection

Growing up in Hawaii, native plants and animals provide our islands with diverse ecosystems, culture, and traditions. Native Hawaiian plants and animals are endangered species as their population decreases throughout climate change. One of the biggest threats that affects Native birds is a virus called avian malaria which is transmitted through mosquitoes. Many upper mountain forests in Hawaii provide Hawaiian birds with refuge since the disease and mosquitoes can not survive in cooler temperatures. However, during climate change with changes in temperature, the rainfall can increase the population of mosquitos. From higher temperatures, the upper mountain forests will start to become hot causing many mosquitos to enter. These changes can damage the ecosystem and the population of native Hawaiian birds. I was inspired to create this animation about the 'I'iwi, the endangered nectarivorous honeycreeper, in order to highlight the challenges that these native Hawaiian birds face. My story explains how enjoyable life was for the 'I'iwi as they were living in peace before climate change had struck. As the temperature gets warmer the ice barrier starts to melt, causing a rush of mosquitoes entering in filled with power. An 'I'iwi starts to look left and right, noticing how small the population is getting as mosquitoes are spreading the disease. This causes many 'I'iwi’s to leave their homes and the story ends with the Hawaiian lands sadly fading away with the loss of these native species. My work illustrates the importance of native birds as they bring life and color to the forests as well as the harmful effects of climate change.