Hawai'i's Environment
Nene finds home on Moloka'i
By Jan TenBruggencate
Advertiser Columnist
Hawai'i's state bird is slowly expanding its range in the Islands, with human help.
The nene, or Hawaiian goose, was once restricted to a small population on the Big Island and captive flocks in Mainland and European zoos, but is now found on Hawai'i, Maui, Moloka'i and Kaua'i.
The wild goose was once common throughout the island chain.
The most recent introduction was to Moloka'i last month, when 10 birds were released at Pu'u O Hoku Ranch on the east end of the island.
The birds were released into a large fenced area, initially to protect them from predators.
The nene should respond well to the cattle ranching environment, said Michael Buck, director of the state Division of Forestry and Wildlife.
"The majority of good nene habitat is found on private lands being used for cattle grazing, which makes finding partners such as Pu'u O Hoku Ranch extremely important to the recovery of the species," he said.
State wildlife officials say the ranch can support about 75 nene and hope to eventually release more geese there. They hope that as many as 200 nene ultimately can range free on the island.
The state and the ranch signed a "safe harbor agreement," which promises that if the ranch provides a good habitat for the birds, it will not be placed under any additional restrictions for having an endangered species on its land.
The new Moloka'i birds are from the state's Maui Bird Conservation Center at Olinda, which is operated by the San Diego Zoo.
Pu'u O Hoku Ranch, in addition to its cattle operation, propagates and plants native plant species, grows the herb 'awa commercially and operates a small visitor program.
"We don't know when the last wild nene on Moloka'i disappeared, but it was probably more than 100 years ago. Our hope is that our ranch will help ensure they don't disappear again," said ranch manager Jack Spruance.
The state also last month signed a safe harbor agreement with 'Umikoa Ranch on the Big Island, where both nene and the Hawaiian duck, koloa, are found.
The ranch in Hamakua is establishing new wetland areas and developing protected upland acreage to improve the habitat.
Ranch manager David Matsuura is overseeing the construction of 10 ponds that will provide two acres of open water. The ranch has fenced 150 acres of its upland range for the birds.
'Umikoa Ranch also will work to control mongooses, cats, dogs, rats and invasive plants, and will plant koa trees on up to 800 acres of land. The trees will be designated for harvesting eventually, but in the meantime will provide habitat.
Jan TenBruggencate is The Advertiser's Kaua'i' bureau chief and its science and environment writer. You can call him at (808) 245-3074 or e-mail jant@honoluluadvertiser.com.
