At the end of February, biologists studying the `alala in the wild pegged their number at 14. Those include two pairs (only one of which has been known to produce fertile eggs) and one wild-reared juvenile. Both pairs are thought to be nearing the end of their reproductive years.
Nine young birds released into `alala habitat in South Kona in 1993 and 1994 make up the remainder of the population. The three birds released in 1993 have not been seen for a number of weeks, but so far, biologists are not overly concerned. Both the 1993 and 1994 cohorts tend to stick pretty much to themselves, apparently, and the class of 1993 tends to be “pretty elusive,” according to one regular bird watcher.
There might yet be an older female `alala, but she has not been seen since September and observers are not hopeful she’s still alive. Usually, in `alala pairs, the male is the first to die. The surviving female usually just vanishes about a year later. With this female’s mate having died last year, scientists are beginning to think she, too, will not be spotted again.
According to one biologist, there hasn’t been much mingling of the younger and the older birds. “The wild pairs rule,” he said, “and chase the young birds up and down the mountain.” It’s possible that the non-breeding crows can be an impediment to those more serious about breeding, he added, comparing the young to “bands of roving juvenile delinquents.”
With `alala females attaining reproductive age at about 2 years, it is possible that some of the released birds may be ready to breed this year. Males typically take a year or two longer before they’re ready, however. Last year, there was reportedly some pair bonding among the young birds, but scientists still have no great expectations for 1996.
Overall, the released young birds seem to be adjusting well. “They are competent at foraging,” says one biologist, “and have good social skills.”
The captive flock of `alala, meanwhile, stands at 15 — seven males and eight females, including one who was so imprinted on humans at an early age that she has never shown any interest in mating with her own kind. Since overcrowding is beginning to be a concern at Olinda, TPF is planning to remove some of those birds to the Keauhou facility.
With the total number standing now at 29 birds of breeding age or near it, prospects for the species’ survival now may be brighter than they have been for some time. However, inbreeding among the birds remains a potential serious problem.
Volume 6, Number 9 March 1996
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