In a significant move to protect the endangered koloa maoli, the native Hawaiian duck, conservationists are reevaluating their strategy to relocate a portion of the species from Kauaʻi to Oʻahu due to unexpected challenges in trapping enough individuals.
Mairin Murphy, a biologist technician from the University of Texas-El Paso (UTEP), expressed the need for more comprehensive research on the koloa’s population dynamics, genetics, and behavior before embarking on translocation efforts. Murphy emphasized, “More information on the population, genetics and behavior of koloa needs to be collected before we can successfully begin our translocation. We are continuing to monitor and learn more about koloa on Kaua‘i in the meantime, in order to help protect the species going into the future.”
Collaborating on this vital conservation initiative are UTEP, Colorado State University, the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Together, these organizations are dedicated to increasing the population of the endangered koloa maoli across Hawaiian Islands.
The koloa maoli holds a cherished spot in Hawaiian heritage and mythology. According to Murphy, “The Koloa would help guide the blind warrior from Kaʻu, Chief Imaikalini in battle. The ducks would alert him to enemy presence by quacking, allowing him to launch 10 spears that would be guided by the ducks to their target. It was thought that no man could escape their lethal target.”
Currently, the koloa maoli is recognized as the only duck species native to the main Hawaiian Islands and is classified as a Federally Listed Endangered Species, with a remaining population of approximately 700 individuals in the wild. Initially widespread across the Hawaiian Islands, this nonmigratory duck species is now only found on Kauaʻi, rendering it particularly vulnerable due to its limited habitat.
The innovative project aimed at preventing the extinction of the koloa maoli through carefully planned breeding strategies is a pioneering effort, according to Phil Lavretsky, the principal investigator at UTEP. He stated, “If our pilot project is successful, the strategy will be implemented to reestablish koloa maoli across the Hawai‘ian Islands. Importantly, these methods will become a viable option for any other species periled by hybridization and other genetic limitations.”
Threats posed to the koloa maoli include habitat loss, hybridization with feral mallards, predation by invasive species such as cats, dogs, owls, mongoose, and bullfrogs, as well as diseases like avian botulism. In light of these pressures, Murphy advocates for the importance of not feeding wild ducks and other introduced feral animals, highlighting the need for community involvement in conservation.
Koloa maoli have specialized feeding habits that depend heavily on their wetlands, where they consume a diet of vegetation, small snails, slugs, and other invertebrates. Notably, North Shore Oʻahu has been identified as a potential site for reintroducing koloa, as studies have shown that the duck population in the region retains approximately 75% of koloa genetics.
Carly Kano, a UTEP research specialist, expressed her personal connection to the project, stating, “I was drawn to this project because Hawaiʻi is a place that has taken such great care of my family and ancestors. By working to restore koloa maoli, I am able to ʻauamo kūleana,’ to give back and to steward the place and animals that have loved and cared for my ancestors so well.”
Kano also shared the Hawaiian proverb ʻaʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia, meaning no task is too big when done by all, as an essential belief driving the project forward. “Getting koloa maoli off the endangered species list may seem like a huge task, but we can all play a part in helping them thrive and recover,” she said. She encourages community members to participate in wetland restoration, avoid supporting feral cat colonies, and educate others about the koloa maoli’s plight and the threats they face.
Murphy stressed the unique opportunity that the nonmigrating koloa and the Hawaiian Islands present in terms of conservation success. She noted, “This means that this project not only directly benefits the koloa, but could benefit many other threatened species as well, which makes it incredibly impactful.”
The reintroduction program aims not only to enhance the koloa population but also to restore the ecological balance of native wetlands, where koloa play a vital role by consuming vegetation and small invertebrates and cycling nutrients through the aquatic ecosystem. The successful conservation of koloa maoli will have far-reaching benefits for Hawaii’s delicate wetland environments.
image source from：civilbeat
