Five Hawaiian crows were released into the forest after decades of extinction in the wild.
In a hopeful and exciting moment for conservation, five Hawaiian crows, also known as ʻalalā, were released into the Maui forests on Hawaii Island this past November. This marks an important step in the journey to bring this rare species back from the brink of extinction.
After being declared extinct in the wild for over two decades, the release of these birds shows what can be accomplished when scientists, conservationists, and local communities come together with a shared mission.
The ʻalalā (Corvus hawaiiensis) was once a familiar sight in Hawaii’s lush forests, but the arrival of non-native predators, such as rats, mongooses, and cats, along with habitat destruction, led to a dramatic decline in their numbers.
By 2002, these magnificent birds had disappeared from the wild, with fewer than 20 remaining in captivity. This sudden decline sparked immediate action, including captive breeding programs that have since helped increase the ʻalalā population to more than 110 birds today.
“It feels very good to see these five going into the forest. To me, and in my culture, the ʻalalā are like our ancestors, our kūpuna. The forest wouldn’t be there without them.” This connection to the ʻalalā goes beyond wildlife preservation; the bird holds a spiritual and ancestral meaning for the native Hawaiian community, highlighting the powerful intersection of culture and conservation.
The intelligence of the Hawaiian crow sets it apart from many other species. These crows are among the few birds known to use tools, picking up sticks from the ground to forage for food like insects. Their straight bills are thought to function similarly to a thumb, providing them with an added level of dexterity. This problem-solving ability makes the ʻalalā an extraordinary species, and researchers have high hopes that their intelligence will help them adapt successfully to life in the wild once again.
In a study by the LOHE Bioacoustics Lab in 2019, researchers discovered that the ʻalalā’s vocalizations had expanded in the wild, adding new sounds to their repertoire that they hadn’t made in captivity. “If you are ever lucky enough to be in a forest that has ʻalalā, it is one of the most goosebump-inducing feelings to hear them call in the wild,” said Colleen Cole, a biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This ability to adapt and expand their communication highlights the crows’ resilience and the significance of their return to their natural environment.
However, this reintroduction hasn’t been without its challenges. Between 2016 and 2020, 30 Hawaiian crows were released into the Puú Maka’ala Natural Area Reserve on Hawai‘i Island, but their numbers began to dwindle as they faced difficulties adjusting to the wild. Scientists took a step back to evaluate what went wrong and investigated factors like predator threats, nest quality, and the birds’ social dynamics.
Understanding the ʻalalā’s social behavior has been key to improving the reintroduction process. These crows are highly social, and forming strong bonds with each other is essential for their survival in the wild. For this release, researchers carefully observed the personalities and interactions of the five birds, ensuring that they would work well together.
A mix of three males and two females, these Hawaiian crows had already established solid social relationships, which is crucial for their chances of success. As Cole explained, “Like people, sometimes they don’t get along, and it doesn’t work out. They may not thrive in that environment.” This focus on social compatibility is helping to improve the birds’ chances of survival and success.
The release is part of a larger conservation effort involving several organizations, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hawai‘i’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and the University of Hawai‘i. These groups have been working together to create and implement strategies that not only focus on the birds’ release but also on the broader restoration of their habitat. It’s a comprehensive, long-term approach that includes habitat restoration, predator management, and continued monitoring to track the birds’ progress.
“The future of the ʻalalā will depend on continued collaboration and a multi-faceted approach to conservation,” said Cole. The hope is that, with sustained effort and careful management, the Hawaiian crows will once again thrive in the wild. The reintroduction of the ʻalalā is a hopeful symbol for the broader success of conservation efforts in Hawaii, where ecosystems are increasingly threatened by invasive species and habitat loss.
With the release of these five Hawaiian crows, the future of the species looks brighter than it has in years. The effort to restore the ʻalalā’s presence in Hawaii’s forests not only offers a glimmer of hope for the bird itself but also demonstrates what can be achieved when communities and scientists work together for the greater good of the environment. As researchers continue to monitor the birds’ progress, the success of this reintroduction could set a precedent for the restoration of other endangered species in Hawaii and beyond.
