Book review: Mosquito eradication: The story of killing Campto

American Entomologist
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Abstract

In 1826, the paradise that was the Hawaiian Islands was changed forever when the first mosquito species was accidentally introduced to the island of Maui. Though it has not lived up to its potential as a vector of human disease in the islands, Culex quinquefasciatus and the avian pathogens it transmits laid waste to perhaps the world's most remarkable insular avifauna. Today the lowland native forests, once deafening with birdsong, are largely devoid of native birds and Cx. quinquefasciatus has become an inextricable part of our natural areas. In the Hawaiian Islands, the conservation community struggles to keep invasive species out and to control a number of species that have become naturalized. Despite the millions of dollars spent, these efforts never seem enough to slow the erosion of our native biota. The restoration and long-term preservation of Hawaiian forest birds depend on the nearly complete control of mosquito-borne avian disease, an obstacle that to many land managers appears insurmountable. To rally hope in Hawai`i, the conservation community needs to see a success. As a Pacific island, Hawai`i shares similar conservation problems with New Zealand and has often looked to that nation for innovation and inspiration. Mosquito Eradication: The Story of Killing Campto may be our latest inspiration.

Review info: Mosquito Eradication: The Story of Killing Campto. By Brian H. Kay, and Richard C. Russell (eds.), 2013. ISBN: 978-1486300570, 280 pp.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Book review: Mosquito eradication: The story of killing Campto
Series title American Entomologist
DOI 10.1093/ae/tmv049
Volume 61
Year Published 2015
Language English
Publisher Oxford University Press
Contributing office(s) Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center
Description 1 p.
Larger Work Title American Entomologist
First page 192
Last page 192
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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