After Dark In the Park - 'Io: The Amazing Raptors of Hawai'i

'Io: The Amazing Raptors of Hawai‘i 'Io, the Hawaiian hawk is endemic to Hawai‘i and considered 'aumākua – a family or personal god- by many Native Hawaiians. These regal birds were a symbol of royalty in Hawaiian culture and remain protected. Once found on multiple islands, today 'io are found only on the Island of Hawai‘i. Recent studies tracking their movements has shed light on the lives of these remarkable survivors. Join biologist, Kristina Paxton as we follow 'io across their island home. Part of National Park Week. Program co-sponsored by Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Io, also known as Buteo solitarius, is a medium-sized bird of prey endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It is considered sacred in Hawaiian culture and is the only hawk species native to Hawaii. The Io is a forest-dwelling bird, found mainly in the upland forests of the Hawaiian Islands, including native forests, shrublands, grasslands, and agricultural areas. However, it is threatened by habitat loss, predation by introduced species, and other factors. The Io is a carnivorous bird that feeds on a variety of prey, including small birds, rodents, and insects. Its hunting techniques include perching on high perches, scanning the area for prey, and swooping down to catch it. The hawk is also known to hunt cooperatively with other hawks, and it is believed that they communicate with each other through vocalizations. Additionally, the Io is known to scavenge for food in areas where human activities have disrupted the natural food sources.

The average lifespan of the Io is estimated to be about 14 years in the wild, although some individuals have been known to live up to 20 years. Its lifespan is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, habitat quality, and human impact. Efforts are underway to breed the Io in captivity to help conserve the species, although there is concern that the stress of captivity could reduce their lifespan or make them more vulnerable to disease.

Overall, the Io is a specialized predator adapted to hunting in the unique forested ecosystems of the Hawaiian Islands, and its diet is an important part of its ecological niche. While the Io faces threats in the wild, conservation efforts are underway to ensure its survival for future generations. Filmed on Location at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - Kilauea Volcano Eruption