Rare Hawaiian Bird Released on Kauai

February 15, 2005

Eighteen puaiohi (pu-ai-o-he) Myadestes palmeri, a critically endangered bird species native to the island of Kauai, are in the process of being released into the Alakai Wilderness Area. The release of these birds will take place over several weeks as the birds are allowed to fly from aviaries in the forest into their native forest habitat.

The puaiohi, representing a species that is believed to number fewer than 500 individuals, were raised at the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center on the island of Hawaii and the Maui Bird Conservation Center. The releases are part of a collaborative effort undertaken by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), and the San Diego Zoo's Hawaii Endangered Bird Conservation Program to build a sustainable population of these birds in the wild.

The puaiohi, also known as the small Kauai thrush, is a songbird that has been reduced to a single relict population in the wet forest of the Alakai Wilderness Preserve. Habitat degradation caused by feral ungulates and invasive alien plants and the joint threats from introduced predators and diseases are thought to be contributing factors in the decline of this population. More than half of Hawaii's surviving songbirds are listed as endangered by the state and federal government.

"We have been able to release 95 captive-reared puaiohi back into the wilderness since 1999, and we believe these recruits are making a significant contribution to the recovery of the population," said Alan Lieberman, director of the Zoo's propagation efforts in Hawaii.

The captive-reared puaiohi are flown to Lihue, Kauai, then transported to the release site. There they are placed in an aviary where they spend 7 to 10 days adjusting to the environment. Over a period of five weeks, six birds at a time are staged for release in a series of three releases. Each bird is fitted with a radio transmitter that will relay signals allowing biologists to monitor their movements, health, and range.

"The success of this puaiohi release program, and of others such as the nene release program, gives us great hope for the future of Hawaii's endangered birds," said Gina Shultz, acting field supervisor for the Fish and Wildlife Service's Pacific Islands office. "Captive propagation and release programs clearly are an important part of our recovery efforts, and we join with our partners in wishing these 18 birds a long and happy life in the Alakai."

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