The Silent Forest: Impact of Bird Hunting by Prehistoric Polynesians on the Decline and Disappearance of Native Avifauna in Hawai’i

Francisco L Pérez

doi:10.3390/geographies1030012

Abstract

This research focuses on the historical demise of Hawaiian avifauna due to hunting by ancient Polynesians. Numerous documents, published since the early 1800s, were scrutinized and evaluated; these provided information on bird hunting and traditional Hawaiian practices. Hawaiians used birds as sources of feathers and food. Feathers were important symbols of power for Polynesians; in Hawai’i, feathers were more highly prized than other types of property. Feathers used for crafts were obtained from at least 24 bird species, however, the golden feathers of ‘ō‘ō and mamo birds made them primary targets for birdhunters; both birds became extinct by the late 1800s. Feathers were utilized for many items, including ‘ahu‘ula [cloaks], mahiole [war helmets], and kāhili [standards]. Most garments utilized a considerable number of feathers; a cloak for Kamehameha consumed the golden feathers of 80,000 mamo birds. Bird meat was an important food item for native Hawaiians. It is believed that most birds were killed after being plucked; historical sources mention ~30 bird species were consumed. The ‘ua‘u (Pterodroma sandwichensis), a currently endangered seabird, was ruthlessly hunted and avidly eaten. Its current geographical range is just a minute fraction of its former one; now, ‘ua‘us are largely restricted to inaccessible cliffs at Haleakalā Crater (Maui).

Highlights

Bird Extinctions in the Hawaiian IslandsAs a mountain ecologist and biogeographer, I have been hiking through the montane forests and high-elevation ecosystems of the four largest Hawaiian Islands for almost 30 years
Maui thought on how to outclass him with something unusual his own island had, and secretly called the forest birds and ordered them to perch on the trees and bushes around them, where they filled the air with song
Malo grew up immersed in native Hawaiian culture and developed an intimate acquaintance with the history and traditions of ancient Hawai’i; he was educated in Lahainaluna Seminary, Maui

Summary

Introduction

As a mountain ecologist and biogeographer, I have been hiking through the montane forests and high-elevation ecosystems of the four largest Hawaiian Islands for almost 30 years. I regrettably encountered a noticeable scarcity, or even absence, of endemic birds. They are not to be seen, and not to be heard; they do not appear to be there anymore. A visitor came to Maui from another island, and conceitedly boasted of his island, its beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and forests. Maui thought on how to outclass him with something unusual his own island had, and secretly called the forest birds and ordered them to perch on the trees and bushes around them, where they filled the air with song. Birds may be seen as well as heard

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