Forest Restoration

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.

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Species Recovery

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.

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Kiwikiu

Kiwikiu (Maui Parrotbill; Pseudonestor xanthophrys) are the most critically endangered of the Hawaiian Honeycreepers on Maui. There may only be less than 200 left.

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Purpose

Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project (MFBRP) is driven by science and dedicated to the conservation of Hawaiʻi’s native forest ecosystems. Formed in 1997, our mission is to develop and implement techniques that recover Maui’s endangered forest birds and to restore their habitats through research, development, and application of conservation techniques.

Techniques

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. To support recovery efforts for threatened species, we actively reduce introduced predator populations and control non-native, disease-spreading mosquitoes. We aim to manage and mitigate threats to both birds and their habitats, while evaluating the effectiveness of our methods to shape long-term conservation strategies. Additionally, we help restore native forest ecosystems by reducing invasive species and planting native trees. We use conservation translocations and reintroduction techniques, collaborating with captive breeding centers to establish self-sustaining populations and prevent extinction in the wild. Ultimately, our efforts seek to prevent extinction and to promote biodiversity and ecosystem function.

Structure

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.

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Together we can make big changes

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. 

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How you Can Help

Ways you can Partner with Us

There 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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Some Key Highlights

 
 

 


‘Akohekohe

Palmeria dolei, critically endangered and found only on the Island of Maui, ‘Akohekohe use their striking white crest to help pollinate native plants.

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Disease Control

Battling the introduced mosquitoes and the diseases that they carry is of upmost importance as native birds have little to no disease resistance.

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Estimating Numbers

Monitoring populations of rare and cryptic species can be difficult and labor intensive. However, surveys are imperative to be able to detect declines and act in time.

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Po’ouli

Extinction is not something of ancient history conjuring up dinosaurs and Dodos. In Hawai’i some recovery actions have come up too little and too late.

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27
Years in Action
>77,000
Trees Planted
>85,656
Volunteer Hours
>14,700
Birds Banded

Save the Forest, Save the Birds

It takes a community of dedicated individuals and support to make conservation happen

Donate Now!Act Now!
MFBRP acknowledges Hawaiʻi as an indigenous space whose original people are identified today as Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) and that in 1893, Queen Liliʻuokalani yielded the Hawaiian Kingdom under duress to the United States to avoid the bloodshed of her people. We further recognize the generations of Kānaka Maoli and the knowledge systems and lifeways that have shaped and continue to care for the Hawaiian Islands. We recognize our kuleana to affirm Kānaka Maoli sovereignty, respect cultural protocols, and aloha ʻāina. We recognize the importance of the ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i including the ‘okina [‘] and the kahakō [ō]. Some of these may have been omitted on our website, not out of disrespect but due to the formatting limitations or errors. Please forgive these omissions.
MFBRP thanks the talented photographers and artists that have lent to the design of this website. 

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