Nene in Hawaii: The World’s Rarest Goose

“Nene Crossing!” “Be careful for Nene!” It looks like Nene in Hawaii get the royal therapy. And as an endangered, native species, they deserve it! Be taught extra about these protected geese, after which prepare to identify one in your subsequent Hawaii trip!

What’s the Hawaiian Nene?

The Nene chicken is a species of goose that’s endemic to Hawaii — meaning it’s a local species discovered solely in Hawaii. 

It should develop to about two toes lengthy and has a grey & brown physique with a black head and tail. They appear fairly just like a Canada goose however are about half the dimensions with a grey neck. 

The Nene is the Hawaiian State Hen. You’ll seemingly see indicators and placards about them for those who’re out exploring the islands, and for those who go to the fitting spots, you’ll seemingly see one your self. 

Nene is pronounced “nay-nay.”

Historical past & Evolution

1000’s of years in the past, earlier than Polynesians settled on the Hawaiian Islands, a number of species of geese lived right here. They shared the identical ancestors as Canadian geese however uniquely tailored to Hawaii’s distinctive panorama. 

Positive, these geese are technically thought of waterfowl, however Nene in Hawaii sometimes reside removed from the water. Their lengthy legs and lowered webbing are perfect for strolling throughout volcanic landscapes. 

Going through Extinction

However after people arrived, the varied Nene struggled to outlive. They had been hunted, by settlers after which nonnative animals they introduced with them. Solely the smallest and most agile Nene survived. 

Nonetheless, Nene continued to endure in Hawaii, and there have been tens of hundreds throughout the islands within the early 1800s. 

However then European colonizers arrived. They cleared land for plantations, hunted with weapons, and launched new predators. By 1950, solely 30 Nene remained in Hawaii, all of them on the Huge Island of Hawaii. 

Restoration Efforts

So by the mid-1900s, the Hawaii Nene was essentially the most endangered waterfowl species on Earth. The passage of the Endangered Species Act helped biologists of their efforts to get well the Nene in Hawaii. Additionally, interest waterfowl breeders had been prepared to lift and nurture new Nene. 

By the next a long time, a whole bunch of Nene had been reintroduced into the Hawaii wild. But it surely wasn’t sufficient. Predators (particularly mongoose), would devour the birds. In the meantime, building and agriculture had robbed the Nene of their habitat. 

So conservationists elevated their efforts, turning towards predator management and habitat enhancements. Additionally they started reintroducing extra Nene to the island of Kauai, the place there have been no mongoose. 

Nene in Hawaii At this time

At this time, there are round 3,000 Nene in Hawaii. In 2019, the Nene’s federal status was changed from endangered to threatened. Nevertheless, the state of Hawaii nonetheless classifies them as endangered. 

About 60% of the Nene inhabitants resides in Kauai, the place they’re in a position to reside with out the specter of the predatory mongoose. However they nonetheless face a tough life all through the islands. Although they’re uniquely tailored to reside away from water, they nonetheless face habitat loss. They’re additionally victims to a variety of nonnative predators, together with human threats, like visitors. 

So each time you cross a Nene Crossing signal, bear in mind to decelerate and be careful. Every Nene is the results of exhaustive conservation efforts, a creature that lately confronted extinction and continues to be valued as a uncommon and guarded species. 

The place to Discover Nene in Hawaii

Nene primarily reside on Hawaii Island, Kauai, and Maui. Nevertheless, there are additionally a number of on Oahu. 

The place you’ll discover them is dependent upon the island. On Hawaii Island, they reside throughout most elevations, from the oceanside lava fields to the excessive elevations on the slopes of the volcanos. In the meantime, on Kauai, they thrive at decrease elevations (under 600 toes above sea stage). 

On Maui, most are discovered alongside the slopes of Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains. 

You may even see Nene at Haleakala Nationwide Park in Maui or Volcanoes Nationwide Park on Hawaii Island. You may additionally see them in pastures and even golf programs. 

Listed below are a number of extra locations to search for the Nene in Hawaii:

• The Maui Tropical Plantation in Waikapu, Maui
• The Honolulu Zoo on Oahu
• Kilauea Level Nationwide Wildlife Refuge on Kauai
• Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu
• Numerous Golf Programs on Kauai
• The Lihue Airport on Kauai

Enjoyable Details About The Hawaiian Nene

Able to study extra about Nene in Hawaii? Listed below are some fascinating info about this distinctive island goose:

1. Nene don’t appear to be almost as aggressive as different species of geese. Some are even fairly pleasant. Nevertheless, it’s unlawful to the touch or harass the Nene, so you need to maintain your distance. And undoubtedly don’t feed them!

2. Nene eat a wide range of leaves, seeds, berries, and fruits, and their diets depend upon the place they reside. 

3. They don’t require a lot water to outlive. The truth is, they obtain most of their hydration by means of their weight loss plan, not from ingesting water. 

4. Nene not often migrate between islands, and so they don’t make lengthy migrations like their Canadian cousins (who would need to go away Hawaii?). 

5. Nene are monomorphic, which means women and men look the identical.

6. Nene have the potential to reside for 20-30 years (or extra), however their lifespan within the wild is nearer to 10-20 years. 

7. Awww… Nene mate for all times!

8. Child Nene don’t fly till they’re about Three months outdated, which might put them in peril. 

9. Nene have a tough time breeding within the wild, so conservationists proceed to breed them in captivity after which introduce them into the wild. 

10. Nene don’t fly almost as typically as different geese, however they are going to take to the skies every so often, honking as they go. Search for them overhead 

Seeing Nene on Your Hawaii Trip

Are you hoping to see Nene in your upcoming Hawaii trip? They’re a uncommon sight, however for those who go to the fitting locations, you will have likelihood of recognizing one (or extra!).

Hawaii Aloha Journey may help you intend a trip centered round wildlife, nature, and conservation. Contact our crew of Hawaii travel agents to study extra about our customized journey planning and all-inclusive packages.