Scientific Bases for the Preservation of the Hawaiian Crow

The Hawaiian Crow, or 'Alala, once an inhabitant of large forested areas of Hawaii, is now found only in the wild in a relatively small area of the central Kona coast. The decline of the 'Alala is part of a larger phenomenon of reduction and extinction of forest birds throughout Polynesia that has been associated with human colonization. It is a symptom of underlying ecological problems.In this book, a committee of experts in ornithology, captive propagation, conservation biology, population genetics, and ecology analyzes existing data about the 'Alala and details its findings, conclusions, and recommendations concerning recovery efforts for this endangered bird.Table of ContentsFRONT MATTEREXECUTIVE SUMMARY1 INTRODUCTION2 HISTORY OF THE WILD POPULATION AND CAUSES OF ITS DECLINE3 GENETIC CONSIDERATIONS4 CAPTIVE BREEDING OF THE 'ALALA5 RELEVANT PRECEDENTS IN ENDANGERED SPECIES PRESERVATION6 OPTIONS FOR MANAGEMENT OF THE 'ALALA7 FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONSREFERENCESAPPENDIX AAPPENDIX BBIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENTS