Study finds vehicle collisions are leading cause of pueo deaths

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A new University of Hawaii study found vehicle collisions are the leading cause of documented deaths among pueo, the Hawaiian short-eared owl.

Read more From firing range to farm, RIMPAC seeks to unite multinational forces in maritime security mission

Researchers analyzed 32 years of records from organizations statewide and identified 242 documented pueo deaths between 1993 and 2024.

The study found trauma accounted for 62% of the deaths, with about two-thirds of those cases linked to vehicle collisions or occurring near roadways. Wind turbines accounted for 13% of trauma-related deaths. Other causes included emaciation and disease.

“Our findings highlight that many Pueo deaths may be preventable,” said Melissa Price, an associate professor in UH Mānoa’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. “Reducing vehicle collisions and increasing awareness about rodenticide use can help all of us support Pueo conservation.”

Researchers said drivers can help protect the native birds by staying alert, especially during early morning and evening hours when pueo are most active.

Read more New North Shore shuttle aims to support storm recovery

“Pueo are very active in the evening and the morning,” Price said. “So as you’re driving along, if you keep a good eye out for wildlife, you can minimize the chance of hitting them with your car.”

The study also encourages keeping cats indoors because pueo nest on the ground, making them vulnerable to predators.

Researchers said the findings provide the first statewide assessment of pueo mortality and will help guide future conservation efforts.

Read more 17-year-old critically hurt in McCully hit-and-run