| Book Review | Environmental History, 12.3

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| Book Review | Environmental History, 12.3 | The History Cooperative

Book Review

Seeking the Sacred Raven: Politics and Extinction on a Hawaiian Island. By Mark Jerome Walters. Washington, DC: Island Press, 2006. 293 pp. Illustrations and index. Cloth $24.95.
Native Hawaiians believed that when people died, their soul proceeded to a high cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, a "Leaping Place," where an 'aumakua (protective spirit guide) joined them for their journey. The Hawaiian crow (Corvus Hawaiiensis), or 'alala, served in this essential capacity. Journalism professor Mark Walters presents a compelling story of the disappearance of the 'alala from the wild, a tale replete with human foibles and scientific uncertainties. He presents a haunting question: In its hour of need, who would serve as the protector of the sacred raven?	1
The 'alala's name reflects its vocalizations, which are more varied and melodic than other crows or ravens. Walters adroitly introduces readers to the natural history of the 'alala, as well as the biology of invasive species and extirpation. Historically, the 'alala flocked in great numbers, tremendously social and curious about humans. Aboriginal use of great numbers of bird feathers for adornment and ceremony raises questions regarding prehistorical impacts. Easier to document are how cattle, feral pigs, and logging changed forest ecosystems to the detriment of native species, while introduced rats and mongooses preyed on fledgling birds.	. . .

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