Remain vs will remain

"Will remain" is not possible with the past (October 2012). However, I'm not sure I understand what you're trying to say. Are you saying that there were 190 individual Hawaiian Crows left in October 2012 and that their numbers haven't changed since?

teechrAre you saying that there were 190 individual Hawaiian Crows left in October 2012 and that their numbers haven't changed since?

Exactly.
So the only possible tense would be the simple present, I suppose, in this context, right?

What about this: As of October 2012, only 190 Hawaiian Crows have lived, in two breeding facilities run b

In that case, I prefer your original (present simple) sentence.

I'd use the past simple. We are talking about how many there were four years ago.

Persian LearnerAs of October 2012, only 190 Hawaiian Crows remained ...

But:

Today only 190 Hawaiian Crows remain ...
As of October 2035 only 190 Hawaiian Crows will remain ...
Since October 2012 only 190 Hawaiian Crows have lived ...


CJ

Persian LearnerAs of October 2012, only 190 Hawaiian Crows will remain, in two breeding facilities run by the San Diego Zoo.

I'd write it like this:
As of October 2012, only 190 Hawaiian Crows would remain, in two breeding facilities run by the San Diego Zoo.

Anonymous Persian LearnerAs of October 2012, only 190 Hawaiian Crows will remain, in two breeding facilities run by the San Diego Zoo.I'd write it like this: As of October 2012, only 190 Hawaiian Crows would remain, in two breeding facilities run by the San Diego Zoo.

Hmm. It's OK, but it depends on preceding text to set it up.

CJ

CalifJim it depends on preceding text to set it up.

I see.

AnonymousI'd write it like this: As of October 2012, only 190 Hawaiian Crows would remain, in two breeding facilities run by the San Diego Zoo.

Even though "would" has a past connotation, but I believe it is used incorrectly in this context. However, I think I understand your conceived notion that " Oct, 2012 .." is past time, and "would" therefore fits the co

AnonymousEven though "would" has a past connotation, but I believe it is used incorrectly in this context. However, I think I understand your conceived notion that " Oct, 2012 .." is past time, and "would" therefore fits the context. I'd go with CJ's examples. Use simple past tense.

I've used "would",here, in a sort of future-in-the-past 'mode'. As CJ mentione