The wild ‘alala population on the Big Island continues to grow after conservationists released seven more of the endangered birds into the wild.
Earlier this month, seven Hawaiian crows, or ‘alala, joined nearly 20 other birds released in the Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Forest Reserve over the past two years as part of the ‘Alala Project, a joint effort between the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and San Diego Zoo Global to revitalize the critically endangered species.
The birds, which were declared extinct in the wild in 2002, have gradually been reintroduced to the wild in groups since 2017.
Eleven ‘alala were released in 2017, one of which sustained an injury and was retrieved by the ‘Alala Project. That bird, a male named Kalokomaika‘i, has recovered and is one of the seven released this month.
The remaining six newly released ‘alala — four males and two females — were named Keolamauloa, Eola, Kamanuolamau, Kala‘au, ‘Alohi and Kana‘i by students from schools around the island.
Although two ‘alala appeared to have laid eggs earlier this year, those eggs were evidently nonviable, as no ‘alala chicks have hatched in the wild since 2002. However, several of the birds have formed breeding pairs and built nests together, raising hopes that the birds will be able to reproduce in the wild soon.
“Having…’ ‘alala engage in the full suite of breeding and nest building behaviors in their first season as adults represents a huge step forward for the program and their recovery as a species,” said Alison Greggor, a postdoctoral research associate with San Diego Zoo Global, in a statement.
Two of the birds released since 2017 have been confirmed deceased. One of the dead ‘alala was killed by a predator, the ‘io, or Hawaiian hawk, while the other showed signs of an undetermined predatory attack.
Email Michael Brestovansky at mbrestovansky@hawaiitribune-herald.com.