Join the Movement to Protect the ʻIo
Your observations matter. Help us understand and protect Hawaiʻi's endemic hawk through community-powered science.
What is Community Science?
Community science (also known as citizen science) empowers everyday people to contribute to scientific research and conservation efforts. By reporting your ʻio sightings, you become part of a vital network helping scientists and conservationists understand hawk populations, behaviors, and habitat use across Hawaiʻi.
Every observation you share helps us:
- ✓Track population trends and distribution patterns across the Hawaiian Islands
- ✓Monitor breeding success and nesting behaviors in different habitats
- ✓Identify critical habitat areas that need protection
- ✓Understand how ʻio adapt to changing environments and human activities
- ✓Inform conservation policies and management decisions
Your participation makes a difference. Community science data has been instrumental in wildlife conservation worldwide, from tracking bird migrations to monitoring endangered species recovery. Together, we can ensure the ʻio thrives for generations to come.
How to Participate
Contributing to ʻio conservation is easy and rewarding. Here's how you can get involved:
Observe & Document
When you spot an ʻio, note the date, time, location, and behavior. Take photos or videos if possible, but always maintain a respectful distance.
Report Your Sighting
Submit your observation through our easy-to-use reporting forms. Choose quick reporting for simple sightings or detailed forms for more information.
Track Impact
Your data joins a growing database that researchers use to study ʻio populations and inform conservation strategies across Hawaiʻi.
What to Look For
Identifying the ʻIo
Size: 16-18 inches in length with females being larger than males
Color phases: Ranges from light (blonde) to dark (brownish-black). Hawaiian terms include ʻio mea (light), ʻio ʻehu (reddish), and ʻio uli (dark)
Features: Yellowish feet and legs in adults, greenish in juveniles. Broad wings and fan-shaped tail
Call: High-pitched, descending whistle often described as "eee-oh"
Behaviors to Note
Soaring: Watch for ʻio riding thermal currents high in the sky
Perching: Often seen perched on tall trees, utility poles, or fence posts
Hunting: Patient hunters that watch and wait before swooping down on prey
Nesting: During spring, observe courtship displays and nest-building activities
Territory defense: Territorial birds that will defend their nesting and hunting areas
Important Observation Guidelines
- • Always observe from a respectful distance - do not disturb nesting birds
- • Never approach nests or attempt to handle ʻio
- • If you see an injured hawk, contact the Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center at (808) 884-5000
- • Report illegal activities (shooting, harassment) to DLNR hotline: (808) 643-3567
Your Impact
Community science data is essential for understanding and protecting the ʻio
Distribution Mapping
Your sightings help create detailed maps of where ʻio live, hunt, and nest across Hawaiʻi Island and beyond.
Population Monitoring
Collective observations reveal population trends, helping scientists assess the species' recovery and health.
Conservation Action
Data informs habitat protection decisions, policy changes, and targeted conservation interventions.
How Researchers Use Your Data
Population Viability Analysis: Scientists use sighting data to model population dynamics and predict long-term survival prospects under different scenarios, including climate change and habitat loss.
Habitat Preference Studies: Your observations help identify which habitats ʻio prefer for nesting, hunting, and roosting, informing land management and conservation priorities.
Breeding Success Monitoring: Reports of nesting activity, fledglings, and family groups provide crucial information about reproductive success across different regions and habitat types.
Threat Assessment: Documentation of human-wildlife conflicts, injuries, and mortalities helps identify and address key threats to ʻio populations.
Policy Development: Comprehensive community science data supports evidence-based conservation policies and management decisions at state and federal levels.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Every sighting counts. Join our community of observers and help protect the ʻio for future generations.