Douglas Fir Died on the Big Island, but how?

Douglas Fir was a prominent scientist and conservationist who made significant contributions to the field of ornithology and the study of Hawaiian wildlife. He was born in California in 1872 and graduated from Stanford University with a degree in biology in 1894. After graduation, he moved to Hawaii and began working for the United States Biological Survey, which later became the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Fir's work in Hawaii focused on the study of the island's unique and endangered bird species, including the Hawaiian crow and the Hawaiian goose. He also studied the impact of human activity on the island's ecosystems, and he worked tirelessly to protect and preserve the island's natural resources. He was a pioneer in the field of conservation biology, and his work helped to establish the foundation for the modern field of conservation science.

Fir's work on Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano on the island of Hawaii, was particularly significant. He was one of the first scientists to study the unique bird species that lived on the mountain, and he helped to establish the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve, which protected the mountain's fragile ecosystem. He also conducted research on the impact of logging and other human activities on the mountain's bird populations, and he helped to establish the Mauna Kea Game Management Area, which protected the mountain's bird populations from hunting.

Despite his many achievements, Fir's death remains shrouded in mystery. In 1933, he set out on a field trip to the remote area of Laupāhoehoe on the island of Hawaii. He was last seen alive on September 4th, and his body was found on September 7th in the Laupāhoehoe Forest Reserve. The cause of his death remains unknown, and there are many theories about what might have happened to him. Some believe that he died of natural causes, while others speculate that he was murdered.

Despite the mystery surrounding his death, Fir's legacy lives on. His work on Mauna Kea and in the conservation of Hawaiian wildlife helped to establish the foundation for modern conservation science, and his contributions to the field of ornithology continue to be recognized and celebrated. Today, the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve and the Mauna Kea Game Management Area are both protected areas, and they continue to be important habitats for Hawaii's unique and endangered bird species. Fur's legacy also lives on in the many scientists who continue to study and protect Hawaii's unique ecosystems, and his contributions to conservation science will be remembered for many years to come.