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Current Status:

The Hawaiian hawk population is now believed to be stable and large enough that the Fish and Wildlife Service is considering reclassifying the species from endangered to threatened. Threats include harassment and killing by humans, habitat degradation, predation by introduced species (e.g., rats and mongooses) that prey on eggs and juveniles, and introduced diseases and other catastrophic events.

Achievements:

The Hawaiian hawk population is believed to number between 1,500 and 2,000, and appears to be stable throughout its range on the island of Hawaii. The apparent increase and stabilization are believed to have resulted from better surveys, reductions in harassment and shooting, management of forest bird habitats (such as Hakalau National Wildlife Refuge and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park), and increased availability of prey

Current Recovery Needs:

Recovery of the species will require regular monitoring, enforcement of laws against harassment and killing, predator control, and public education.

Partnerships

National Park Service: This Federal agency maintains suitable habitat for the Hawaiian hawk in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, protects nest sites, enforces the prohibition on taking, and monitors population status.

Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife: This State agency's Forest Reserve System on the island of Hawaii has been expanded over the past 2 years to provide additional habitat for the hawk. This agency also continues to enforce laws against taking and harassment, reviews all proposed changes in land use designation, and has an ongoing program for salvaging and rehabilitating injured hawks.

Recovery Plan Status:

Plan approved 5/9/84.