Habitat loss and the introduction of exotic avian and mammalian species has reduced the population of honeycreepers to an endangered status.  In addition, the introduction of exotic mosquitos has resulted in widespread mortality from malaria in the wild population.  It is estimated that there are less than ten Akikiki subspecies of honeycreepers remaining in the wild.  As a precaution, conservationists have disbursed colonies of endangered species among the Hawaiian Islands to reduce the possibility of extinction in the event of a catastrophe such as the Maui fire.