Endangered Damselfly's Return to Hawaiʻi Marks a Milestone Through Landmark Conservation Partnership

The orange-black Hawaiian damselfly (pinapinao), extinct on Lānaʻi since habitat loss and invasive species caused dramatic declines, is being reestablished through the nation's first Conservation Benefit Agreement—a voluntary partnership between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pūlama Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources involving restored habitat, protected artificial ponds, and captive-reared damselfly releases.

Recovery remains in early stages; long-term establishment across historical range depends on sustained habitat management and the agreement's continued enforcement.