Experiencing Hawai'i: Hope for Avian Species Yet
This past summer I traveled with Project Dragonfly from Miami University of Ohio on an Earth Expedition to the Island of Hawai'i. This expedition was guided to allow students to become one with the land as we embraced our calling to help support species in need. Many know Hawai’i for its lush, beautiful, and mesmerizing scenery as people plan exotic vacations away from home. Unfortunately, it is also recognized as the bird capital extinction of the world (Billig et al., 2009). Not even the 4,150 mile distance has changed the fate of avian species residing in this amazing tropical area. If anything, the odds for the survival of endangered bird species in Hawai’i are daunting. Sadly enough, native Hawaiian birds continue to face similar threats that impact our very own local avian species. Invasive species such as feral ungulates; including rats, pigs, goats, sheep, deer, and cows continue to destruct native forests, impacting avian habitat and food source (The ʻAlalā Project, 2018; Billig et al., 2009). Expansion and development of land through human activity also contributes significantly to the demise of essential habitat needed for survival (The ʻAlalā Project, 2018). Since 1826, native birds are fighting a battle against a mosquito-borne disease carrying avian malaria that has devastating effects on population numbers as well (Billig et al., 2009). Unfortunately, as native bird numbers continue to plummet in Hawai’i, the majority of government funding is still allocated to native bird species recovery on the mainland. Between 1996 - 2004, the 32 Hawaiian avian bird species in need of support only received 4.1% of all recovery funds available from federal and state sources (Billig et al., 2009).
With that in mind, avian advocates continue to build their momentum in seeing that endangered bird species are successful and thriving in the forests of Hawai’i. They take on the challenges and unite with other conservation organizations, working collaboratively to restore land and bird populations of Hawai’i once again. While on our Earth Expedition in Hawai’i, we had the opportunity to visit the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center (KBCC) dedicated to supporting Hawai’i’s most endangered native birds. My peers and I were given a tour of the facility to help understand the work that is needed to help support endangered bird populations on the big island. We learned that maintaining and preparing specific diets of resident birds is just one way keepers are ensuring that the needs of each individual are being met.
However, it is not enough just to manage the health and dietary needs of the avian population currently residing at the KBCC facility. The KBCC is focusing on restoring native bird populations and releasing them back into the wild. They are working endlessly to ensure the successful reintroduction of the ʻAlalā (Corvus hawaiiensis) also known as the Hawaiian Crow through a captive breeding program. Currently there are 144 ʻAlalā birds in the program and 11 that have been released back to the wild and are continuously monitored by researchers (The ʻAlalā Project, 2018). During our visit, we were fortunate enough to witness KBCC's ʻAlalā conservation efforts as they monitored bird interactions behind the scenes. Staff spent ample time educating us on the benefits of maintaining ʻAlalā populations.
As primary seed dispersers of the forest, the ʻAlalā are not only culturally invaluable to Hawaiians, but having a functional ʻAlalā population would greatly influence the ecosystem as they restore native plants, saving thousands of dollars in restoration costs while positively impacting the future of other avian species struggling to survive (Culliney et al., 2014).
The KBCC also supports the conservation efforts of other endangered birds such as the Puaiohi (Small Kauaʻi Thrush), Kiwikiu (Maui Parrotbill), ʻAkikiki (Kauaʻi Creeper), ʻAkekeʻe (Kauaʻi ʻĀkepa), and the Palila as they strive to raise population numbers in captivity (The ʻAlalā Project, 2018). We were privileged to witness these birds from afar and got incredible photos that heightened my passion even more. This past summer, two Palila chicks hatched, increasing population numbers at the KBCC. This was definitely a win for the Palila species going forward. The picture below was captured when Rebecca from KBCC invited us to watch a feeding session. Her love and dedication for caring for these newborn chicks was inspiring as it shows hope for future of endangered bird populations.
Those who are fortunate enough to visit KBCC like myself, learn about the history of native bird populations through an art mural that tells a story of Hawai'i's past and how it has evolved over time. It is only through these stories that one can capture the perfection of avian species existence not so long ago.
Conservation organizations like the KBCC as well as the Three Mountain Alliance recognize that in order to have a successful bird population, they must have a sustainable habitat to support their survival. Conservation efforts and dedication while educating the community only provides hope for the future of birds relying on human assistance.
My experiences on the Island of Hawai’i have forever left a mark on my heart. I have a greater appreciation not only for the ʻAlalā and other endangered birds, such as the Palila pictured above, but for the countless hours of conservation organizations working together as one, restoring and protecting land that was once considered sacred. Their passion is infectious and encourages participatory efforts from all those near and far. While in Hawai'i my peers and I were blessed to be introduced to a culture that embraced our help, restoring endangered native plant species back into their forests as we supported the success of avian habitat. Their saying "Laulima", meaning many hands working together demonstrated the power of working collaboratively together to restore the land back to its natural state. I was moved that such trust was given and not needed to be earned during our stay, but this only validates the importance of understanding the overall goal of conservation and what is needed to be successful.
If you would like more information regarding these amazing organizations, please visit The ʻAlalā Project and Three Mountain Alliance. Their collaborative teamwork will hopefully set an example for the success of how organizations and communities can work together for the future of sustainable ecosystems and the avian species inhabiting our forests.
Literature Cited:
Billig, P.P., La Pointe, D.A., Atkinson, C.T., & Wallace, G. (2009). Hawaiian birds: Challenges and second chances. Bird Conservation, 2-24.
Culliney, S., Pejchar, L., Switzer, R., & Ruiz-Gutierrez, V. (2012). Seed dispersal by captive corvid: The role of ʻAlalā (Corvus hawaiiensis) in shaping Hawai’i’s plant communities. Ecological Applications, 22 (6), 1718-1732.
Restoring Hawaiʻi's Native Crow to the Wild: ʻAlalā Project (2018). Hawaii.gov. The ʻAlalā Project retrieved September 23, 2018 from https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/alalaproject/