A rare Iiwi study skin

Several species in the bird family known as the Hawaiian Honeycreepers are infamous for a rather dismal reason. Most of them succumbed rapidly to extinction during the last years of the 19th century and the first part of the 20th. Unlike its relatives, one species continued to flourish, however. This is the Iiwi (Vestaria coccinea), which seemed unaffected by the ravages that destroyed its relatives. Sadly, however, this situation has now altered. During the last two decades, the number of living Iiwis has dropped dramatically and the species could be facing extinction in the coming years. Prospects for survival seem bleak. The beautiful, scientifically prepared cabinet specimen being offered here shows the unfaded striking red colouring that is characteristic for the species.

Taxidermy