An important step forward in conservation of Hawaiian ecosystems was accomplished with the release of five Hawaiian crowsknown as ʻalalāon the island of Maui. This endemic species, extinct in the wild since 2002has been bred in captivity for over two decades.
The event represents the first attempt at reintroduction of the crow outside the Big Island, the native habitat of these birds. The release, which took place in the Kīpahulu Forest Reserve on the slopes of Haleakalā, involved two males and three females carefully selected.
These young individuals, chosen for their social and behavioral abilities, show greater potential for success in cooperating, adapting and surviving in the wild. Additionally Maui offers a more favorable environment compared to the Big Island, as it is free of Hawaiian hawks, natural predators of ʻalalā crows.
The ʻalalā are considered guardian spirits
The project was made possible through collaboration between several organizations, including the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Megan Owen, vice president of conservation science at the latter, called the release a monumental achievement in the fight for reverse biodiversity loss.
The ʻalalā have a profound meaning in Hawaiian culture, where they are considered aumākua, or guardian spirits. For many Hawaiians, like avian specialist Keanini Aarona, these birds represent spiritual ancestors, guardians of the forest and cultural heritage. The release is therefore not only an ecological success, but also a symbolic gesture to preserve the connection between humans and the environment.
Despite the failure of previous reintroduction attempts on the Big Island, the team hopes that Maui’s more favorable conditions and the choice of well-prepared individuals can make a difference. The ʻalalā were raised with the goal of maintain their wild instinctsimproving foraging skills, predator resistance and social interactions.
Bird monitoring is ongoing and includes food integration and controls regular on their health. The results of this operation will only be visible over time, but the team is confident that the birds can adapt to their new home, exploring the environment and rediscovering what it means to live in freedom.
