Critically endangered Hawaiian crows build first nest in the wild in decades

[Judi Lynn]

By Bradley J. FikesThe San Diego Union-Tribune
Tues., May 14, 2019



In a photo taken through binoculars, two released alala, a species of native Hawaiian crow extinct in the wild, can be seen in a nest. It's a vital first step toward bringing back a wild population of the critically endangered birds. (SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL / TNS)


Extinct in the wild for decades, the alala were raised at the Keauhou and Maui Bird Conservation Centers of San Diego Zoo Global, part of its Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program.

In partnership with the state of Hawaii and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Alala Project has released 21 birds into protected forest areas on the Big Island of Hawaii. The nesting pair live in the Puu Makaala Natural Area Reserve on the Big Island.

After all the years of work, the nest is the first tangible sign the Alala Project might be succeeding in its ultimate goal.

These birds were raised to have the skills to live in the wild. Their keepers wore costumes and hid their human features to prevent the birds from imprinting on people.

More:
https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2019/05/14/critically-endangered-hawaiian-crows-build-first-nest-in-the-wild-in-decades.html

[msongs]

1. maybe they will eat the frogs nt