SAN DIEGO ZOO'S HAWAI`I ENDANGERED BIRD CONSERVATION PROGRAM SETS NEW BREEDING RECORD FOR `ALALA

Conservation biologists working to save endangered bird species in Hawai`i are celebrating an important achievement this year. Eleven Hawaiian crow chicks, or `alala, have been successfully raised at the Keauhou and Maui Bird Conservation Centers  in 2010. These new birds bring the population to 77, which is a significant increase for a species that numbered as few as 20 birds in 1994.

     The captive breeding activities for `alala are managed by the Hawai`i Endangered Bird Conservation Program. This is a field program of the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research and works in collaboration with the State of Hawai`i Division of Forestry and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Together, these organizations are working to restore populations of critically endangered Hawaiian forest birds, with primary focus on the `alala.

     The `alala is considered extinct in the wild and has been difficult to propagate in captivity because the hatch rates are impacted by embryonic mortality and congenital abnormalities. The species is managed using the intensive techniques of behavioral analysis, artificial incubation and hand-rearing, in order to maximize reproductive success. This year's success provides a level of productivity where conservation biologists can begin to develop plans for future reintroduction efforts.

     "A flourishing captive population is the first major phase towards the ultimate goal of re-establishing a viable population of `alala in the wild," said Richard Switzer, conservation program manager for the Hawai`i Endangered Bird Conservation Program. "With the rearing of these eleven youngsters, we are delighted to have taken a significant step away from the potential of `alala extinction."

      The `alala is a keystone species of the Hawaiian forest, playing an important role in seed dispersal. However, it was almost exterminated by the threats of introduced predators, habitat destruction by humans and introduced livestock as well as novel avian diseases, which have already caused the extinction of many endemic Hawaiian bird species.

     "The last two years of captive production are truly exciting and bring us a step closer to our goal of reintroducing `alala again to the wild," said Loyal Mehrhoff, Field Supervisor of the Fish and Wildlife Service's Pacific Islands Fish and Wildlife Office. "Our long-term goal is to restore this missing piece to Hawai`i's unique ecosystems."

     "The challenge now is to continue that successful growth while we work to protect forest habitats as we gear up for the re-introduction of the birds back to the wild," said David Leonard, wildlife biologist for the Hawai`i Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

     The San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research is dedicated to generating, sharing and applying scientific knowledge vital to the conservation of animals, plants and habitats worldwide.  The work of the Institute includes onsite research efforts at the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (historically referred to as Wild Animal Park), laboratory work at the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for Conservation Research, and international field programs involving more than 180 researchers working in 35 countries.  In addition to the Beckman Center for Conservation Research, the Institute also operates the Anne and Kenneth Griffin Reptile Conservation Center, the Botanical Conservation Center, the Keauhou and Maui Hawaiian Bird Conservation Centers and the Desert Tortoise Conservation Center. The Zoo also manages the 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which includes a 900-acre native species reserve, and the San Diego Zoo.  The important conservation and science work of these entities is supported in part by The Foundation of the Zoological Society of San Diego.

About the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.  For more information about the Fish and Wildlife Service visit www.fws.gov.

About the Division of Forestry and Wildlife
The mission of Division of Forestry and Wildlife is to responsibly manage and protect watersheds, native ecosystems, and cultural resources and provide outdoor recreation and sustainable forest products opportunities, while facilitating partnerships, community involvement and education.