Hawaiian crows known as ʻalalā were recently released into the wild. DLNR photo

A historic pilot release of five ʻalalā — also known as Hawaiian crows — recently occurred on the leeward slopes of Haleakalā, in the Kīpahulu Forest Reserve on Maui.

According to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, the release of Hawaiʻi’s endemic crow on Maui was the first reintroduction attempt outside of Hawaiʻi island.

Partners in the effort include the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with the state Department of Land and Natural Resources’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

“We understand how valuable ʻalalā are as a cultural resource as well as a biological resource,” said Martin Frye, research field supervisor for MFBRP, in a news release. “They play a huge role in Hawaiian culture just as much as they do in the Hawaiian forest. Those two things are linked.”

As seed dispersers of numerous native plants, the ʻalalā and forests are interconnected, and this stage of the project took more than two years of planning, research and refinement to complete.

The impact of past conservation leaders is still felt today, according to the DLNR. One of those researchers is Fern Duvall, a former Maui Nui program manager with the Division of Forestry and Wildlife who’s worked on ʻalalā recovery since the 1980s.

Building upon lessons from previous releases on Hawaiʻi island in the 1990s and more recently from 2016 to 2019, biologists and staff have contributed to getting the Valley Isle ready for the reintroduction effort.

Three male and two female juveniles were selected for the initial release on Maui, as young birds are less territorial than adults and staff expects more group cohesion, teamwork and learning from one another as a result.

These particular individuals were selected for their highly developed social and behavioral skills that may allow them a greater likelihood to succeed in the wild at foraging, predator avoidance and pair bonding.

Two additional design elements unique to the Maui release are automated feeder boxes and Global Positioning System tracking. The feeders can distribute food on-demand as a supplement to the birds’ wild diet, and the GPS transmitters provide a second method to track the birds in addition to VHF radio telemetry. These small, light GPS trackers are attached to a durable cloth harness worn by the ʻalalā as a backpack.

The birds spent several weeks in a field aviary at the release site learning to use the feeders and getting accustomed to wearing their new backpacks.

“This pilot release marks a significant milestone for ʻalalā, showcasing our commitment to their recovery,” said Chelsie Javar-Salas, supervisory U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist for the Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office. “While we acknowledge that there is more work to be done, our focus is currently on closely monitoring these birds to ensure they have the best opportunities to thrive in their new home in East Maui.”

During the release, the ʻalalā moved one by one beyond the threshold of the aviary doorway. The birds initially stayed close to the aviary, walking on its frame and roof before maneuvering from tree to nearby tree. Soon enough, they were spreading their wings a bit more and surveying their new reality.

“As much as we strive at our centers to provide them with the best possible conditions, this is the home they deserve,” said Gavin Nuttall, SDZWA avian recovery specialist. “Opening the door and seeing these birds flying free meant so much.”

The project relies on how the birds manage to adapt to their new home and its success will be measured over time. The field team will continue to monitor the birds, supplementing their food and keeping an eye on their health and well-being.