BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM
For the first time in decades, five Hawaiian crows, or ‘alalā, are soaring freely on the lush slopes of Maui’s Haleakala volcano. These birds are the most endangered crows on Earth, with only 110 of them left in existence. Extinct in the wild since 2002, the ‘alalā now carry the weight of their species’ survival on their wings.
“They are shouldering all of the hopes of their species,” says Alison Greggor, an ecologist leading the reintroduction effort for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
The release, which occurred in November, symbolizes a new era for the species. Attempts to return ‘alalā to their natural Big Island environment have suffered obstacles due to predation by the Hawaiian hawk, or ‘io. This time, scientists chose Maui, where ‘io are absent, giving the birds a higher chance of survival.
Why Maui? The science behind the move
The Kīpahulu Forest Reserve in Maui was chosen as the release site because of its semi-isolated location and ideal vegetation. The five birds, three males and two females, spent six weeks adjusting in an aviary before gingerly exploring their new surroundings.
“The time around release is critical,” adds Hannah Bailey, conservation program manager for the Hawaiian Endangered Birds Program. “We’re still learning, and so are the birds.”
The birds on the reserve benefit from a predator-free environment, allowing them to concentrate on feeding and socializing. Scientists carefully examined the birds’ survival abilities, including their capacity to locate food and respond to potential predators. During months of preparation, the group built tight ties, which were critical to their success in the wilderness.
Cultural guardians of the forest
To Hawaiians, ‘alalā are more than just birds; they are revered as spirit guardians, or ‘aumakua, believed to protect and warn their human counterparts. Their connection to the forest is profound, exemplifying the complex interplay between nature and society.
“To me, and in my culture, the ‘alalā are like our ancestors—our kūpuna,” says Keanini Aarona, an avian recovery specialist. “The forest wouldn’t be there without these birds.”
This cultural relevance amplifies the urgency of conservation efforts. Restoring the ‘alalā to the wild not only saves a species but also improves the ecological and spiritual balance of Hawaiian forests.
Lessons from past reintroductions
The current reintroduction effort builds on the lessons of a previous endeavor from 2016 to 2020 when 30 ‘alalā were released on the Big Island. Initially promising, the initiative deteriorated as predation and environmental challenges reduced bird populations. By 2020, the remaining crows had to be returned to human care.
Despite the setback, the past initiative was quite useful for improving techniques. Conservationists recognized the value of predator-free settings and the need for thorough behavioral assessments prior to release.
“This isn’t a failure,” explains biologist Jacqueline Gaudioso-Levita. “It’s a stepping stone to doing it better the next time.”
Balancing conservation and ecology
Ecological dangers are usually associated with reintroduction operations like this one. Because Maui is not the ‘alalā’s native range, scientists carefully studied the potential impact on other species in the area, including endangered snails and forest birds.
“We didn’t want to risk native species on Maui just in pursuit of finding a better path for ‘alalā,” explains Michelle Bogardus, a deputy field supervisor at the US Fish and Wildlife Service. “We would not be doing this if we thought that this action was going to risk all of the other species that are also within our stewardship.”
With these precautions in place, the release proceeded. On the big day, the birds hesitated, climbing above their aviary and hopping between trees before taking off. Slowly but steadily, they entered the forest.
Looking ahead: hope for the ‘Alalā
The future of the ‘alalā is uncertain, but the Maui reintroduction offers a glimmer of optimism. Conservationists hope that if this group can adapt and prosper, it will open the way for more widespread efforts throughout Hawaii.
Gaudioso-Levita describes the experience of being in the presence of an ‘alalā as humbling. “Their intelligence and uniqueness are very apparent.”
The birds’ tool-use skills and social relationships demonstrate their extraordinary adaptability. With the continuous partnership of organizations, government agencies, and local communities, the hope of a thriving wild population appears closer than ever before.
For now, the five ‘alalā on Maui constitute a delicate yet powerful sign of survival. They remind us that, even in the face of insurmountable odds, a second chance is possible—with the proper combination of science, culture, and compassion.
