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NEWS RELEASE 

Researchers Turn to Innovative Technology to Conserve Two Beloved Hawaiian Bird Species

Biologists and Ecologists Aim to Better Understand the ‘Io, and Simultaneously Enhance Efforts to Save the ‘Alalā from Extinction 

SAN DIEGO (June 6, 2023) – Researchers are currently tracking over 40 wild ‘io, also known as Hawaiian hawks, on Hawai‘i Island with lightweight, solar-powered GPS transmitters. This work is part of a collaborative effort to conserve this beloved species and one of its natural prey—the ‘alalā. Researchers with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources – Division of Forestry and Wildlife are collaborating on this effort as part of a large-scale GPS tracking program to better understand the extent to which ‘io move across the island and how they utilize different habitats. With the new insights that are gathered, scientists will be better equipped to conserve this iconic raptor, and simultaneously glean critical insights to aid in the future reintroduction of the ‘alalā, also called the Hawaiian crow, to their native habitats. The aim is to ensure that both ‘alalā and ‘io can coexist in their native habitats, as they previously did for many years. 

Cutting edge conservation technology gives biologists and ecologists access to previously obsolete information about wildlife behavior. A lightweight, solar-powered GPS transmitter from Cellular Tracking Technologies is attached to the ‘io using a custom-fitted backpack harness that is designed to fall off over time. Once attached, the transmitter provides high-resolution data on the bird’s movements which are then sent remotely via the cellular network, eliminating the need for a biologist to physically relocate the bird in native habitats. To date, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has deployed over 40 GPS transmitters on ‘io within a range of different habitats—such as rural neighborhoods, forests, and pastures—across the island. Since the program’s inception in mid-2022, more than 270,000 GPS locations have been collected from the tracked ‘io—an achievement made possible by generous support from the Dorrance Family Foundation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. 

“This project is a perfect example of how recent advances in technology are driving the fields of ecology and conservation biology,” said James Sheppard, Ph.D., recovery ecology scientist at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. “It’s taken until now for wildlife telemetry devices to be miniaturized and made lightweight enough to be safely deployed on a bird such an ‘io. For the first time, we’re acquiring hard, rigorous, scientific data about the specific ecological needs of this important species. We are truly in the golden age of wildlife tracking.” 

The ‘io faces a number of challenges that threaten its survival, including loss of key vegetation and the widespread implications of climate change. However, the species is remarkably understudied. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance partners closely with the State of Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources – Division of Forestry and Wildlife, and the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, to learn how to mitigate key ‘io conservation challenges. The Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens has also supported this effort. 

The ’io is endemic to Hawai‘i Island, where it is both ecologically and culturally significant. Native Hawaiians consider ‘io an ‘aumakua—a visible manifestation of a family or personal god. The species occupy a central place in the culture, art and traditions of the Hawaiian Islands. Not only is the ‘io well recognized and held in high esteem by residents, but it’s also an important predator in ecosystems throughout the island. The ‘io forages on a wide range of prey, including helping to control populations of non-native rodents.  

“CTT has a strong commitment to conservation research and is excited to be working with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance to bring the latest innovations in wildlife tracking to the endangered 'io project,” stated Michael Lanzone, CEO and co-founder at Cellular Tracking Technologies. 

Knowing how ‘io use a variety of their habitats will help fine-tune ‘alalā reintroduction techniques to maximize ‘alalā survival, especially immediately after release, when they are particularly vulnerable to ‘io predation. ‘Alalā is the last survivor of at least five endemic crow species found on the Hawaiian Islands. Due to habitat fragmentation and destruction, and the introduction of invasive species to Hawaiian Islands—and the diseases they carry—‘alalā became extinct in the wild in 2002. A highly collaborative and intensive conservation breeding and restoration program is currently underway with the goal of returning the ‘alalā back to its forest home. The ʻAlalā Project is a partnership between the State of Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources – Division of Forestry and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.  

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About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance 
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a nonprofit international conservation leader, committed to inspiring a passion for nature and working toward a world where all life thrives. The Alliance empowers people from around the globe to support their mission to conserve wildlife through innovation and partnerships. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance supports cutting-edge conservation and brings the stories of their work back to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park—giving millions of guests, in person and virtually, the opportunity to experience conservation in action. The work of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance extends from San Diego to eco-regional conservation “hubs” across the globe, where their expertise and assets—including the renowned Wildlife Biodiversity Bank—are able to effectively align with hundreds of regional partners to improve outcomes for wildlife in more coordinated efforts. By leveraging these skills in wildlife care and conservation science, and through collaboration with hundreds of partners, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has reintroduced more than 44 endangered species to native habitats. Each year, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s work reaches over 1 billion people in 150 countries via news media, social media, their websites, educational resources and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television programming, which is in children’s hospitals in 13 countries. Success is made possible by the support of members, donors and guests to the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, who are Wildlife Allies committed to ensuring all life thrives.  

About Cellular Tracking Technologies 
Cellular Tracking Technologies (CTT) is a global leader in wildlife telemetry and IoT solutions with headquarters in Cape May, NJ. CTT was founded in 2007 by a small team of scientists and engineers, and today employs 42 staff who manufacture a full range of Cellular, Satellite and UHF radio tags for animals of all sizes. CTT’s tags are deployed on every continent, and allow researchers to track animals worldwide.