MEDIA RELEASE
The ‘Alalā, or Hawaiian crow, is
a critically endangered species that is extinct in the wild. Reintroduction
efforts for the ʻAlalā, the native Hawaiian crow, began in December
of last year with the release of five ʻAlalā into a Hawai‘i Island
State Natural Area Reserve. Sadly, three birds did not survive, and the
remaining two were brought back into captivity.
Members of The ‘Alalā Project say
that the reintroduction of captive-raised birds without the benefit of
experienced ‘Alalā already in the wild is very challenging. Biologists around
the world say releases like this are usually marked with fits and starts, and
that reintroduction success is not usually seen before multiple releases. Nēnē,
the native Hawaiian goose, once had a population of only 30 birds and was part
of a captive breeding program. “The recovery of Nēnē took over five decades of
conservation actions to achieve, and while there are now over 3,000 birds in
the wild, Nēnē populations still require active management to persist,” said
Joey Mello, Hawai’i Branch DOFAW Wildlife Program Manager (East Hawai’i).
Despite the temporary setback,
preparations are underway for the release of the next group of ‘Alalā. Nine
birds are now in a flight aviary that was constructed in the State’s Pu‘u
Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve; three more birds will be moved there soon. All
of these birds are healthy and are checked and fed daily. Project team members
closely observe their foraging skills, behaviors, and social interactions. The
‘Alalā Project anticipates the release of these 12 birds later this year.
Necropsies on the three ‘Alalā
released last December indicate that none of the crows died due to disease
exposure. Necropsy (autopsy for animals) results indicate that two of the birds
were likely killed by another endangered bird, the ‘Io or native Hawaiian hawk.
‘Io are known to prey upon other birds – such is the circle of life in the
wild. The third bird appears to have died from natural circumstances that led
to poor physical condition.
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