Extinct Hawaiian Crow Returns to Maui in Conservation Effort
hawaiian Crows Return to Maui in Historic conservation Effort
MAKAWAO, Hawaii – Five Hawaiian crows, known as ‘alalā, took to the skies of Maui on Wednesday, marking a notable milestone in the fight to save this critically endangered species. This marks the first time alalā have been released on Maui, a crucial step in their reintroduction to their native Hawaiian islands.
the alalā, once widespread across the Hawaiian archipelago, were last found in the wild on the Big island. Habitat loss, introduced predators, and diseases decimated their population, leading to their extinction in the wild in 2002.
“The translocation of alalā to Maui is a monumental step forward in conserving the species and a testament to the importance of partnership in reversing biodiversity loss,” said megan Owen, Ph.D., vice president of conservation science at San Diego Zoo Wildlife alliance, a key player in the reintroduction effort.
This historic release is the culmination of years of collaborative work by multiple organizations, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service, the State of hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and the University of Hawaii.
The five released birds – two females and three males – spent months at the Keauhou and Maui Bird Conservation Centers, forming strong social bonds crucial for their survival in the wild.
“It means a lot to me to care for the alala,” said Keanini Aarona, avian recovery specialist at Maui bird Conservation Center. “To me,and in my culture,the alala are like our ancestors — our kūpuna. the forest wouldn’t be there without these birds.”
Before their release, the birds underwent rigorous evaluations by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance team. They were assessed on their foraging abilities, predator response, and overall health.
This Maui release follows a previous reintroduction effort on the Big Island between 2016 and 2020, where 30 alalā were released into the Puu Makaala Natural Forest Reserve. While initially successful,the population on the Big Island began to decline,leading to a pause in reintroduction efforts and the return of the remaining birds to human care.
Conservationists remain hopeful that the maui release will prove more successful, offering a brighter future for this iconic Hawaiian species.
Hawaiian Crows Take Wing on Maui in Historic Recovery Effort: An Interview with Dr. Megan Owen
NewsDirectory3.com: The reintroduction of five Hawaiian crows, or ‘alalā, to Maui this week represents a major milestone in the fight to save this critically endangered species. Dr. Megan Owen, Vice President of Conservation Science at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a key partner in this effort, joins us today to discuss the significance of this historic event.
Dr. Owen, welcome. Can you tell us why the release of these birds on Maui is so important?
Dr. Owen: This is a monumental step forward in our efforts to conserve the ‘alalā and reverse the biodiversity loss that has impacted Hawaii’s native species.Maui provides a unique opportunity as it possesses significant habitat that historically supported large ‘alalā populations. This translocation is a testament to the power of collaborative conservation efforts.
the ‘alalā were once widespread across the Hawaiian islands. What led to their decline and ultimate extinction in the wild?
Dr. Owen: Habitat loss due to human progress, introduction of predators like rats and cats, and the impact of avian diseases decimated the ‘alalā population. By 2002, they were tragically extinct in the wild.
What are the biggest challenges facing the ‘alalā in their reintroduction?
Dr. Owen: The reintroduction process is complex and requires careful planning and monitoring. The birds will face challenges from introduced predators, competition for resources, and the need to adapt to a changed environment. However, learning from past reintroduction efforts, we’ve carefully selected release sites, established predator control measures, and are committed to ongoing monitoring and support for these birds in the wild.
This release follows a previous effort on the Big Island in 2016.How is this Maui release different?
Dr. Owen: The Big Island release provided invaluable lessons learned. We’ve incorporated those experiences into the maui project, strengthening our understanding of habitat needs, predator threats, and the importance of pre-release training for the birds.
What are your hopes for the future of the ‘alalā?
Dr. Owen: We are hopeful that this release on Maui will be a success story. Our ultimate goal is to establish a self-sustaining population of ‘alalā in the wild, allowing future generations to experience the sight and sound of these splendid birds soaring through Hawaiian skies.