Mission

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 Mānoa in association with Hawai’i 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.