Five Hawaiian crows, also known as ʻalalā, which went extinct in the wild in 2002, were released on Maui for the first time on Wednesday as part of a conservation effort to restore the species to its natural habitat, officials said.
Described as intelligent and charismatic, these birds are the last surviving species of Hawaiian crow, previously found only on Hawaii’s Big Island, according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
Their extinction in the wild was driven by habitat loss, invasive predators, and diseases, conservationists noted.
According to the Associated Press, the vice president of conservation science at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Megan Owen said, “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.”
This release reflects years of collaboration amongst organisations, including the US Fish and Wildlife Service, State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife and the University of Hawaii, she added.
The released group comprised two females and three males, who developed strong social bonds at Keauhou and Maui Bird conservation centres.
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance conducted thorough assessments of the birds for release based on their ability to forage for food and respond to predators, with veterinarians conducting thorough health assessments.
Between 2016 and 2020, thirty ʻalalā were released in the Big Island’s Puu Makaala Natural Forest Reserve. However, despite early success, the population declined, prompting officials to halt reintroduction efforts.
The remaining were subsequently brought back into human care.
Keanini Aarona, the avian recovery specialist at Maui Bird Conservation Center said, “To me, and in my culture, the ʻalalā are like our ancestors – our kūpuna. The forest wouldn’t be there without these birds.”
“It means a lot to me to care for the ʻalalā,” Aarona added.
