As humans arrived on the Hawaiian Islands, they brought with them new threats – predators, disease, habitat destruction, and overexploitation. Having evolved in the absence of these pressures, many of Hawaii’s forest birds have experienced dramatic declines. Since human colonization, at least 21 species of Hawaii’s endemic birds have gone extinct, another 26 species are listed by BirdLife International as currently facing extinction, and most are dependent on intensive conservation measures. The Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program is working to breed and release endangered birds, such as the palila, a Hawaiian honeycreeper. Captive-reared palila will be released on Mauna Kea from aviaries that researchers established in the mamane forest 3 years ago. The Ulysses S. Seal Conservation Grant Program provided funding for helicopter transport of birds, supplies, and personnel to the reintroduction site. Staff champion for this project is Kelly Lessard, Public Relations Manager.
Get Social