This endangered species is also known by the Polynesian name Koloa. The decline in population occurred in the early 20^th century, precipitated by wetland drainage of prime breeding areas and the introduction of the Indian mongoose to most of the islands. By 1951, fewer than 300 Hawaiian Ducks remained.

A captive propagation and release program was established by the World Wildlife Fund and the State of Hawaii. Throughout the latter half of the century, several hundred captive-reared ducks were released on the islands of Oahu and Hawaii, eventually bringing the native population back to approximately 2,500 birds.

Today the population appears to be stable, but ducklings are still very vulnerable to dogs, cats and even introduced bullfrogs. Perhaps the greatest threat to recovery is the issue of hybridization with Mallards, which was also introduced by man to the islands. Efforts to eliminate all Mallards and hybrids have intensified in recent years. Most of the ducks on Oahu are likely hybrids since Mallards favor urban habitats. Fortunately, the more remote birds on the Big Island and the larger population that winter in the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge on Kauai are genetically isolated.

There are very few genetically pure Hawaiian ducks available in collections. Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Breeding Center received one pair in early 2007. Our hope is to successfully breed them in order to increase the population of this very rare and biologically important species in case further reintroduction to the wild is ever needed.

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