[ECO]Hawaiian Crow Reintroduction Program Achieves Success on Maui

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A Hawaiian crow reintroduction program has achieved a historic milestone with the release of five birds on Maui.

A Hawaiian crow reintroduction program reached a historic milestone as five birds entered Maui’s forests for the first time. The December 4, 2024 release marks a crucial advancement in preserving this native species, which has been extinct in the wild since 2002. These birds, known as ʻalalā in Hawaiian, historically inhabited diverse forest habitats across Hawaiʻi Island, primarily in elevations between 3,000 and 6,000 feet.

The recent Hawaiian crow reintroduction effort involved two females and three males, raised at specialized facilities operated by the

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in Makawao. This initiative united multiple organizations, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, the University of Hawaiʻi, the National Park Service, and The Nature Conservancy.

These birds previously thrived in dense, mature forests dominated by ʻōhiʻa and koa trees, environments rich in native fruit-bearing plants essential for their diet. The new Maui release site mirrors these habitat requirements, featuring similar forest composition and elevation ranges that characterized their original territory.

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Government agencies have implemented comprehensive protection measures to support Hawaiian crow reintroduction. Image credit San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

The federal Alala Recovery Plan and state Alala Restoration Plan prioritize native habitat protection and restoration, disease study, and predator control. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and State of Hawaiʻi are working to establish major forest preserves along the Kona coast. Currently, 1,652 acres of former ʻalalā habitat are under active management to prevent forest degradation and improve vegetation quality.

Environmental assessments have been conducted for potential release sites, including the Kīpahulu Forest Reserve and Koʻolau Forest Reserve on Maui. These assessments guide habitat management strategies, which include aggressive predator control measures targeting mongooses and rats, along with efforts to mitigate the impact of exotic plants and feral ungulates.

The Hawaiian crow reintroduction program addresses numerous challenges that led to the species’ decline in the wild. Invasive predators, particularly the small Asian mongoose, ****** rats, and feral cats, have significantly impacted the species by preying on eggs, chicks, and adult birds. These threats, combined with habitat fragmentation and disease, led to the collapse of wild populations. Currently, the only remaining populations exist in protected environments at the Keauhou and Maui Bird Conservation Centers and the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens.

Preparation for this Hawaiian crow reintroduction involved extensive evaluation and care. The five birds underwent months of social bonding at the conservation centers, where specialists assessed their foraging abilities and responses to predators. This preparation included exposure to predator recognition training, specifically focused on identifying and avoiding the mongoose and other threats. Veterinarians conducted thorough health examinations before approving their release.

The Hawaiian crow reintroduction program has achieved remarkable population growth, increasing from fewer than 20 birds in the late 1990s to over 110 today. This success stems from sophisticated breeding management techniques, including remote camera monitoring of breeding activities and allowing natural parent-led breeding processes. Scientists also conduct ongoing analysis of biological samples to address potential health issues and diseases.

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Previous reintroduction efforts inform current strategies. Between 2016 and 2020, conservationists released 30 ʻalalā into the Puʻu Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve on Hawaiʻi Island. Despite initial success, declining numbers led to the program’s pause and the birds’ return to protected care. These experiences have guided the current Maui release strategy, particularly regarding predator management.

Recent scientific research has enhanced understanding of breeding patterns. Studies published in notable journals reveal important findings about nest quality’s impact on egg survival, personality traits’ influence on mate selection, and the relationship between bird age and breeding success. Additional research in Conservation Science and Practice has explored improved post-release management techniques, particularly regarding supplementary feeding locations.

The cultural significance of these birds adds another dimension to their conservation importance. As Keanini Aarona, avian recovery specialist at Maui Bird Conservation Center, explains, the ʻalalā hold ancestral importance in Hawaiian culture, referred to as kūpuna, and play a vital role in forest ecosystem maintenance.

This Maui release represents a new phase in Hawaiian crow reintroduction, demonstrating years of preparation and collaborative effort to preserve this culturally and ecologically significant species. The program’s expansion to Maui opens new possibilities for the species’ recovery while highlighting the ongoing challenges of preserving Hawaii’s unique biodiversity.

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