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.
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.
Kiwikiu (Maui Parrotbill; Pseudonestor xanthophrys) are the most critically endangered of the Hawaiian Honeycreepers on Maui. There may only be less than 200 left.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Make a DonationThere 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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It takes a community of dedicated individuals and support to make conservation happen
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