# Historic Release of ‘Alalā Birds in Maui
In a significant stride for wildlife conservation, five ‘alalā birds, commonly known as Hawaiian crows, have been successfully released into the forests of Maui for the first time. These birds were raised and trained by the efforts of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center located in Volcano, and the Maui Bird Conservation Center in Makawao.
The release marks a pivotal achievement in a long-term conservation program aimed at returning this species to its natural habitat, from which it has been extinct since 2002. This venture results from a collaborative partnership involving the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Department of Land and Natural Resources of Hawaii, the Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and the University of Hawaii. Additionally, the National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy have played active roles in reintroducing the ‘alalā on Maui.
The birds face numerous challenges, including habitat loss, fragmentation, predation, and diseases. Currently, these birds are primarily found at the Keauhou and Maui Bird Conservation Centers under the care of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and the Pana‘ewa Zoo and Rainforest Gardens. Their numbers had dwindled to around 20 in the 1990s but have since grown to about 110.
The newly released group consists of two females and three males. Before their release, they were part of a social group at the conservation centers to establish strong bonds. Each bird was meticulously evaluated based on behavior, ability to forage, and predator response.
Keanini Aarona, an avian recovery specialist, expressed the profound cultural significance of the ‘alalā, considering them akin to their ancestors—the kūpuna. “The forest would not exist without these birds,” shared Aarona.
Dr. Megan Owen, Vice President of Conservation Science for San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, highlighted this milestone as monumental in conserving the species and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in reversing biodiversity loss. Years of preparation by multiple organizations have come together, blending expertise and skills, to support the restoration of this species vital to Hawaii’s forests and cultural heritage.
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## Further Insights into ‘Alalā Conservation Efforts
The release of the ‘alalā into the wild is part of broader conservation strategies in Hawaii. These strategies include habitat restoration, predator control, and community engagement to ensure the longevity and sustainability of native species like the Hawaiian crow.
Recent initiatives focus on educating the public about the ecological role of the ‘alalā and fostering community support for conservation activities. These birds play a crucial role in seed dispersal, which is vital for the forest ecosystems’ resilience and regeneration.
Moreover, advancements in tracking technology are being employed to monitor the released birds. This technology will provide essential data on their survival rates, movements, and adaptation to the wild. Such information is crucial for refining future release strategies and enhancing the success of conservation programs.
Conservative efforts like these highlight the delicate balance required in species recovery projects and underline the necessity of preserving native habitats against ongoing environmental threats.
As conservationists continue to learn from the ‘alalā reintroduction, their experiences could offer valuable lessons for similar programs worldwide, paving the way for broader conservation success stories.