Koloa Maoli: A road to recovery and returning home.

The Princeville Moʻolelo free lecture series will continue on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, with a special talk on the Koloa Maoli, or Hawaiian duck (Anas wyvilliana). Once widespread across all islands, Koloa Maoli are now only found on the islands of Kauaʻi and Niʻihau. This talk will begin with a brief overview of the Koloa Maoli, including how its ancestors arrived in Hawai‘I, and evolved into a unique species deeply intertwined with the islands’ ecosystems.

The presentation will then explore threats that have led to the species’ decline, including habitat loss, predation by introduced animals, and the particularly significant threat posed by introduced mallards. The core of the presentation will focus on current conservation efforts, highlighting an upcoming translocation project aimed at reestablishing Koloa Maoli populations on islands where they have been extirpated. These efforts, led by dedicated conservation teams, seek to restore Hawai‘i’s wetland ecosystems and ensure the survival of the Koloa Maoli for generations to come. The talk will conclude with ways the public can support this critical work, from spreading awareness to engaging in community conversations about native species conservation across Hawai‘i.

Free Lecture Series: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 5:00 to 6:30pm in the Princeville Community Center. The presentation will also be available via Zoom. For more information, visit www.kauairefuges.org/princeville-moolelo.