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The Hawaiian archipelago is home to the kiwikiu (_Pseudonestor xanthophrys_), one of several bird species that can only be found on the islands. Due to Hawai'i's uniquely varied geographic and ecological conditions, the kiwikiu became highly specialized as it adapted to survive in a specific island habitat. However, like many highly specialized species, the kiwikiu is particularly vulnerable to environmental stressors, such as disease, invasive species, and habitat destruction, that disrupt the delicately balanced ecosystems in which the birds live.