#United States #ʻAlalā #San Diego Zoo #Wildlife Alliance #Maui

Historic Release of Five ʻAlalā in Maui

In an exceptional display of conservation success, five ʻalalā, the Hawaiian crow, have been released into the wilds of Maui for the first time in over two decades. This significant milestone comes as part of a broader effort led by the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance to restore this intelligent species to its native habitat, where they have been absent since their extinction in the wild back in 2002.

The release follows extensive preparations at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center located in Volcano, Hawaii, and the Maui Bird Conservation Center in Makawao. The five birds, comprising two females and three males, had spent several months acclimatizing in a social group setting, which was essential for establishing their bonds and ensuring their readiness for life in the wild. Each bird was evaluated not only on their social behavior but also on their foraging skills and their responses to potential threats, which were closely monitored by avian specialists and veterinarians.

Keanini Aarona, an avian recovery specialist, expressed his heartfelt connection to the ʻalalā, stating, "To me, and in my culture, the ʻalalā are like our ancestors—our kūpuna. The forest wouldn't be there without these birds." This sentiment underscores the cultural significance of the ʻalalā not just as wildlife but as integral components of Hawaiian identity.

The five ʻalalā released represent a ray of hope for a species that has endured extreme challenges including loss of habitat, diseases, and predation from introduced species. Historically found on Hawaiʻi Island, their numbers dwindled dramatically in the late 1990s to fewer than 20 birds, making consistent conservation efforts crucial. Today, thanks to the dedication of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and its partners, the population has recovered to more than 110 individuals.

However, the story of the ʻalalā's journey is complex. From 2016 to 2020, 30 ʻalalā were reintroduced in the Puʻu Makaʻala Natural Area Reserve on Hawaiʻi Island, where they initially thrived in the wild. Unfortunately, a decline in their numbers prompted the pause of future releases. The collaboration of organizations, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the University of Hawaiʻi, has remained critical in navigating the obstacles faced during these reintroduction efforts.

The recent release to Maui marks an evolution in conservation strategy, emphasizing partnerships and shared expertise. According to Dr. Megan Owen, vice president of conservation science at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, "The translocation of ʻalalā to Maui is a monumental step forward in conserving the species and a testament to the importance of partnership in reversing biodiversity loss."

With each release, lessons from previous experiences are incorporated to adapt strategies that will enhance the birds' survival rates in the wild. Scientists from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance actively publish research aimed at understanding the influences of different factors on nesting success and mate selection among the ʻalalā. Recent studies have demonstrated that while the duration of partnerships is significant, the age of the birds may play a more pivotal role in breeding success.

Looking forward, the successful integration of these five ʻalalā into Maui's forests will be closely monitored. Their behavior and adaptation will shed light on the immediate changes needed for their habitat to support a thriving population in the wild. The release is a resounding reminder of the resilience of nature and the power of collaborative conservation efforts.

About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance operates as a nonprofit leader in conservation, aiming to ignite a passion for nature while fostering collaboration to ensure a healthier planet. With innovative approaches and partnerships across the globe, the Alliance has successfully reintroduced more than 44 endangered species to their native habitats, reaching an audience of over a billion people each year through their conservation parks and educational outreach. Their commitment continues to drive forward effective conservation strategies that benefit endangered wildlife and their ecosystems.