Protecting the ʻIo
Working together to ensure the survival and thriving of Hawaiʻi's endemic hawk through habitat protection, community education, and conservation action.
A Conservation Success Story
From Endangered to Recovered
In 1967, the ʻio was listed as endangered with a population estimated at just a few hundred individuals. Through dedicated conservation efforts, the population recovered to approximately 2,500-3,000 birds by 2020, leading to its removal from the federal endangered species list.
This remarkable recovery demonstrates what's possible when communities, government agencies, conservation organizations, and researchers work together. However, delisting doesn't mean the work is done—the ʻio still faces significant threats and requires ongoing protection and monitoring.
1967: Listed as Endangered
Population estimated at a few hundred birds, restricted to limited habitat on Hawaiʻi Island.
2020: Delisted Due to Recovery
Population recovered to 2,500-3,000 birds across diverse habitats on Hawaiʻi Island.
Important Note: While removed from the federal endangered species list, the ʻio remains protected under Hawaiʻi state law as a threatened species and under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Harming, harassing, or killing ʻio is illegal and punishable by law.
Current Threats
Despite recovery success, the ʻio faces ongoing challenges that threaten its long-term survival
Human-Caused Mortality
The most preventable threat. ʻIo are frequently shot by people trying to protect domestic chickens, despite legal protections. Other human-caused injuries include vehicle collisions, powerline electrocution, secondary poisoning from rodenticides, and attacks by domestic animals.
Habitat Loss and Degradation
Invasive plants like strawberry guava, Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death disease, urban development, and agricultural conversion threaten native forests—the ʻio's preferred habitat. ʻŌhiʻa trees are especially critical as they provide strong branches and dense foliage for nesting.
Climate Change
Increased frequency of extreme weather events like hurricanes, changes in forest composition, impacts on prey availability, and drought stress all pose risks to ʻio populations and their habitat.
Limited Range
The ʻio is endemic to Hawaiʻi and breeds only on Hawaiʻi Island, making the species vulnerable to catastrophic events like volcanic eruptions or disease outbreaks that could devastate the entire population.
The Human Factor
Many people who harm ʻio do so out of ignorance—not understanding the hawk's protected status, cultural significance, or ecological importance. The ʻio was in Hawaiʻi for 700,000 years before humans arrived. Hunting is their natural behavior. We can coexist peacefully by protecting our chickens and pets with proper enclosures rather than harming these sacred birds.
Conservation Efforts
Protected Habitat Areas
Hakalau Forest NWR
Established 1985 (North Hilo) and 1997 (Kona Forest Unit). Critical protected habitat supporting native forest restoration and ʻio populations.
Kona Hema Preserve
The Nature Conservancy preserve (1999-2003) in South Kona providing protected habitat and supporting ʻio recovery efforts.
Wao Kele o Puna
OHA-managed forest reserve protecting ʻio and other endemic species in the Puna region.
Key Conservation Partners
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center
Provides rescue, rehabilitation, and release services for injured ʻio. Since 2012, has treated over 2,000 native Hawaiian birds and bats.
Hawaiʻi Division of Forestry and Wildlife
State agency managing wildlife populations, enforcing protection laws, and coordinating conservation efforts.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Federal agency supporting conservation through habitat protection, research funding, and partnership coordination.
How You Can Help
Protect Your Chickens
Use covered enclosures to protect domestic birds instead of harming ʻio.
Educate Others
Share information about ʻio with friends, family, and neighbors.
Report Violations
If you witness illegal harm to ʻio, report it immediately to authorities.
Support Habitat Protection
Support organizations working to protect and restore native forests.
Use Rodenticides Safely
Avoid using rodenticides or use them responsibly to prevent secondary poisoning.
Emergency Contacts
Injured ʻIo
Hawaiʻi Wildlife Center: (808) 884-5000
DOFAW Hilo: (808) 974-4221
DOFAW Waimea: (808) 887-6061
Report Illegal Activity
DLNR Hotline: (808) 643-3567
DLNRTip App: Available for download
Together We Can Protect the ʻIo
Every action counts. Join us in ensuring the ʻio thrives for future generations.