The Habitats and the Birds Wetlands and birds are at the heart of Pacific Birds’ partnership building in Hawai‘i. Our goal is to connect partners, sites, resources and funding to deliver excellent wetlands conservation across the Hawaiian Islands.
Conserving wetlands means we are supporting some of the rarest (and coolest!) birds in the world. We work with partners to secure and improve habitats for five endemic wetland species and up to 60 migratory waterfowl and shorebirds.
J. Waipa / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The Threats The threats to wetland birds are significant and constant. Species are struggling with: introduced predators such as cats and rats; habitat loss due to development, drainage and infilling; the loss of hydrological and physical links between wetlands; pollution from cesspools and agricultural run-off; invasive plant species; and diseases including botulism.
Climate change will exacerbate the issues for migratory and resident birds. Their habitats will be affected by coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion from sea level rise. Changing rainfall and temperature patterns may change flooding regimes and the prevalance of invasive species.
Wetlands, Birds and People Wetlands also support ecosystem services that can help us respond to climate challenges. They provide water storage during flood events, which will protect property and infrastructure. Wetlands also reduce the impact of storm surges on the coast, protecting the land, people and wildlife.
These habitats are culturally significant. Hawaiian farmers have enhanced wetlands to provide kalo (taro), fish, and materials for mats and other items. These traditional community practices can also be beneficial for birds and other wildlife.
We are passionate about wetlands. If your organization is too, get in touch and find out how we can help.
Meet Our Priority Species
The five native wetland birds shown below are found only in the Hawaiian Islands. Our conservation outreach aims to raise awareness about the value of these species and the importance of protecting places they need.
Population: About 1,000
Dan Clark, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Population: About 2,000
Forest and Kim Starr © Creative Commons
Population: About 3,000
Gary Kramer © Creative Commons
Population: About 2,000
Emilie Chen © Creative Commons
Population: About 1,000
Gary Kramer, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Pacific Birds is now working to:
Improve Communications
We are bringing partners together to network and share expertise, and we are actively involved in outreach.
Promote Action
We are supporting partners to meet their wetland conservation objectives, including creating, restoring and protecting wetlands habitat.
Secure Reources
We assist partners with funding, and we help secure the resources they need for efffective conservation.
To learn more, contact Helen Raine, our Conservation Specialist in Hawaii.
Stories from Hawaiʻi
Mōlī Get a Hawaiian Welcome
Hawaiians welcomed mōlī, or Laysan Albatross, back to Kauaʻi in November. Soaring albatross filled the air above during the ceremony, while a few nēnē visited the scene on the ground.
Finding the Pueo
The Pueo Project was set up in 2017 to monitor the population size and habitat use of this Hawaiian Short-eared Owl. Knowing more will help establish which habitats we should conserve to help stabilize the population.
Grant Funds Will Allow Better Access for Hikers and Birders
Kauaʻi’s trail system will receive a boost with the award of a Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority grant. The ‘Aloha Aina’ grant will provide $118,000 to repair degraded sections of the Pihea-Alakaʻi trail system, where hikers can learn about the history, culture and wildlife.
