Much of Maui was once covered by native forests. Rebuilding these areas will not only provide habitat for native Hawaiian species but will also restore watersheds.
Hawai’i has suffered more wide-spread extinctions than anywhere else in the United States. Without effective intervention, Kiwikiu could join this long list of birds that are now gone forever.
Kiwikiu (Maui Parrotbill; Pseudonestor xanthophrys) are the most critically endangered of the Hawaiian Honeycreepers on Maui. There may only be less than 200 left.
Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project (MFBRP) is dedicated to the conservation of Hawaiʻi’s native forest ecosystems. Formed in 1997, our mission is to protect and recover Maui’s endangered forest birds and their habitats.
We monitor wild forest bird populations, estimating their sizes and distribution across the landscape. Our research gathers data on their breeding biology, food resources, disease susceptibility, and population-limiting factors. We aim to manage and mitigate threats to birds and their habitats, working to restore native forest ecosystems by reducing invasive species and planting native trees. Using conservation translocations and reintroduction techniques, we collaborate with captive breeding centers to establish self-sustaining populations and prevent extinction in the wild. Controlling introduced predator populations and developing strategies to address non-native, disease-spreading mosquitoes are key elements to the protection of native forest birds. Ultimately, our efforts seek to prevent extinction and to promote biodiversity and ecosystem function.
Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project is a project of The Pacific Cooperative Studies Unit of the University of Hawaii at Manoa in association with Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Nā Koa Manu Conservation Inc. We collaborate and work with many organizations, working groups, and community members.
We have big goals for preserving Maui’s biodiversity. Nā Koa Manu Conservation Inc., our fiscal sponsor, ensures your contributions go directly to preventing further extinctions of forest birds on Maui and to rebuilding Maui’s forests.
Make a DonationThere are many ways in which you can contribute to our mission and work. MFBRP needs support in the form of volunteers, materials, donations, Hawaiian Airlines Miles, and more. Check out events and fundraisers too!
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It takes a community of dedicated individuals and support to make conservation happen