Hawaiian crow, previously extinct in its natural habitat, has been reintroduced on Maui.

MAKAWAO, Hawaii — In a significant move towards the conservation of the species, five Hawaiian crows were released on Maui on Wednesday, marking this as the first time these birds have returned to the island in a concerted effort to restore their population, according to conservationists.

The Hawaiian crow, known as alala, had not been sighted in the wild since they went extinct on Hawaii’s Big Island in 2002, as indicated by officials from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Renowned for their intelligence and charisma, these crows represent the last surviving lineage of the Hawaiian crow species. Various threats, such as habitat destruction, predation, and diseases caused by non-native species, have contributed to their decline, among other issues.

“Bringing alala back to Maui is a monumental advancement in our species conservation efforts and highlights the critical role of collaboration in combating biodiversity loss,” remarked Dr. Megan Owen, vice president of conservation science at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

This release resulted from extensive preparations by various organizations and agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, as well as the University of Hawaii, she added.

The five alala, comprised of three males and two females, spent several months forming social bonds at the Keauhou and Maui Bird Conservation centers. Their readiness for release was evaluated based on how effectively they sourced food and reacted to potential threats, with thorough assessments conducted by veterinarians to ensure their health and preparedness.

“It holds significant meaning for me to take care of the alala,” expressed Keanini Aarona, an avian recovery specialist at the Maui Bird Conservation Center. “In my culture, the alala represent our ancestors — our k?puna. The well-being of the forest is interconnected with the presence of these birds.”

Previously, thirty of these birds were reintroduced to the Puu Makaala Natural Forest Reserve on the Big Island between 2016 and 2020. While the initial years showed promise for the alala’s resurgence, their population began to dwindle, prompting a temporary halt in further reintroduction. The remaining alala were returned to managed care to prioritize their wellbeing.