Honolulu, HI – According to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), a significant milestone in conservation has been achieved with the successful hatching of critically endangered Hawaiian hawks, or ‘Io, at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance as part of a collaborative recovery effort. This news, announced on May 23, 2025, underscores the ongoing commitment to preserving Hawaii’s native species through innovative breeding and reintroduction programs managed by state and federal agencies. The DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) has been working tirelessly with partners to ensure the survival of the ‘Io, a species that holds deep cultural significance in Hawaiian tradition and is the only hawk native to the islands.
The ‘Io, scientifically known as Buteo solitarius, has faced numerous threats over the years, including habitat loss, predation by invasive species, and disease. Once widespread across the Hawaiian Islands, their population has dwindled, with current estimates suggesting fewer than 3,000 individuals remain in the wild, primarily on the Big Island. This alarming decline prompted the species to be listed as endangered under both state and federal laws, spurring urgent action to prevent their extinction. The recent hatching of two ‘Io chicks at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s breeding facility marks a beacon of hope for the species’ recovery. These chicks are the result of a carefully managed captive breeding program aimed at bolstering the wild population through strategic releases.
This achievement is part of a broader recovery plan spearheaded by the DLNR in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, and other conservation organizations. The program focuses on breeding ‘Io in captivity under controlled conditions to maximize survival rates before reintroducing them into protected habitats in Hawaii. The newly hatched chicks will be raised with minimal human interaction to ensure they retain their natural behaviors, preparing them for eventual release into the wild. This process, known as ‘headstarting,’ has proven effective for other endangered species and is being adapted for the ‘Io to increase their chances of survival post-release.
Beyond breeding, the recovery effort includes intensive habitat restoration and predator control measures in areas designated for ‘Io reintroduction. On the Big Island, where the majority of the remaining wild population resides, DOFAW has been working to remove invasive species such as rats and feral cats that prey on ‘Io eggs and fledglings. Additionally, reforestation projects are underway to restore native forest ecosystems that provide essential nesting and foraging grounds for the hawks. These efforts are critical, as the ‘Io relies on dense, native forests for hunting small birds and insects, their primary food sources.
The cultural importance of the ‘Io cannot be overstated. In Hawaiian tradition, the hawk is considered an ‘aumakua, or ancestral guardian, symbolizing strength and protection. Its presence in the islands’ ecosystems is a reminder of the deep connection between Hawaii’s natural environment and its cultural heritage. The DLNR emphasizes that saving the ‘Io is not just about preserving a species but also about honoring and maintaining the cultural values tied to Hawaii’s unique biodiversity. Community engagement has been a key component of the recovery plan, with local residents and cultural practitioners contributing to monitoring efforts and habitat protection initiatives.
To provide a specific example of the program’s impact, one notable project involves the restoration of a 500-acre parcel of native forest on the slopes of Mauna Kea. This area, once degraded by invasive plants and grazing animals, has been transformed into a safe haven for native species, including the ‘Io. Since the project began, sightings of wild ‘Io in the area have increased, indicating that habitat restoration is yielding positive results. Furthermore, a recent funding allocation of $1.2 million from federal and state sources has been directed toward expanding these restoration efforts, ensuring that more critical habitat can be secured for the ‘Io and other endangered species across the islands.
The road to recovery for the ‘Io is long, but the successful hatching of these chicks represents a critical step forward. The DLNR and its partners remain committed to monitoring the progress of the captive-bred hawks and adapting their strategies based on scientific data and community input. As these efforts continue, there is renewed hope that future generations of Hawaiians and visitors alike will witness the majestic flight of the ‘Io across the islands’ skies, a symbol of resilience and the power of collaborative conservation. The keywords central to this story include conservation, endangered species, Hawaiian hawk, wildlife recovery, habitat restoration, biodiversity, and native ecosystems.
For more information, visit Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.