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.