The nēnē, or Hawaiian goose, is the rarest goose in the world. Nearly driven to extinction in the past, this tough bird is now thriving thanks to conservation efforts. Here’s the fascinating story of Hawaii’s state bird.
Meet the Nēnē
The nēnē or Hawaiian goose (Branta sandvicensis) is a smaller goose, ranging in length from 21 to 26 inches. Its body is greyish brown, its head and bill are jet black and its legs are strong, to support walking on rough terrain. Unlike other geese, its feet are less webbed, which enables it to walk on lava plains without a problem.
Not Your Average Honker
The nēnē does not have a typical goose call; instead, it produces low-pitched moo-like sounds, cackles, and even makes trumpeting calls. These are some of the sounds that they use to communicate on steep terrains.
A Bird on the Brink
Before the arrival of Westerners, there were approximately 25,000 nēnē in Hawaii. But predators like mongoose, feral cats and rats, which were brought by humans, almost drove them to extinction. By the year 1950, there were less than 30 remaining in the wild.
The Fight for Survival
The U.S. government listed the nēnē as an endangered species in 1967. Conservationists had to step in. Conserving the species and increasing its numbers became possible through captive breeding and habitat creation.
Captive Breeding Success
In the 1980s, nēnē were bred in captivity and released into the wild. While first releases weren’t successful due to predators like mongoose, more attempts finally worked and grew the population.
A Slow but Steady Comeback
Due to ongoing conservation activities, the number of nēnē has increased and currently stands at between 1,700 and 2,200 mature geese. In 2019, the species was downlisted from ‘Endangered’ to ‘Near Threatened’ which is a great achievement.
Threats Still Linger
The nēnē is still in danger today. Feral cats, car accidents, and territory losses are still the main threats. It means that their survival is not guaranteed, and they need our help.
Protecting Their Habitat
Protection measures for the nēnē include controlling predators, restoring their natural environments and raising public awareness. Maintaining Hawaii’s natural environment is vital for nēnē geese to survive.
A Symbol of Hawaii
The nēnē is a cultural icon, and Hawaii’s state bird. Their strength mirrors that of the Hawaiian people. Seeing these birds in the wild is a true marker of success for conservationists, as they are one of the most endangered species in the world. The geese are also a symbol of Hawaii’s unique biodiversity.
Scientists Are Keeping Watch
Veteran wildlife watchers still monitor the nēnē, watching their migration, breeding, and mortality rates. Their research is useful in informing conservation management of the species to avoid its numbers dropping again.
Why It Matters
Protecting the nēnē is not only about saving one bird, it’s about protecting the unique environment of Hawaii. The protection of the species is the protection of the environment, which is home to so many other species.
The Future of the Nēnē
The nēnē is a rare goose, and its story doesn’t end here. The continued conservation of this bird is crucial for it to survive in the wild. If it continues to be well protected, Hawaii’s state bird will be a symbol of resilience for future generations.
