Hawaiian Birds and Hawaiian Crow Breeding

The Hawaiian Crow (‘Alala) has suffered tremendously and is considered to be extinct in the wild with no confirmed sightings since 2002. But, unlike many of other Hawaiian bird species that have become extinct within recent history, the ‘Alala has a captive population as a safety net.

The Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program has been involved in conserving the Hawaiian Crow (Corvus hawaiiensis) since 1993. At that time, the global population of ‘Alala had dropped to a low-point of approximately 20 birds, including the small flock that had been established in captivity. The captive breeding of ‘Alala is maintained at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center on the Big Island and the Maui Bird Conservation Center.

Conservation biologists working to save endangered bird species in Hawaii are celebrating an important achievement this year. The 2010 breeding season has been the most productive season to date, hatching thirteen chicks and raising eleven youngsters to independence. Together with the eight chicks raised in 2009, the ‘Alala population has risen by thirty percent in two years, bringing the flock to a total of 77 birds. This represents a significant step away from the potential extinction, and a step towards reestablishing a population in the wild. Their long-term goal is to restore this missing piece to Hawaii’s unique ecosystems.