Branta sandvicensis

HABITAT:
Lava-covered highland slopes in tropical Pacific Islands, nesting in open grasslands from sea level up to edge of rain forest in Hawaii

DISTRIBUTION:
Range limited to Hawaiian Islands

DIET:
Due to lack of fresh water in their natural habitat, Nenes get moisture from dew and the food they consume, primarily winter grass

MISC:
This species is known by several names, including Hawaiian Goose, Nene, Lava Goose and Sandwich Island Goose.

PROJECT NOTES:
This species qualifies as Endangered on the basis of its very small population. A reintroduction program has contributed to its recovery from a low of perhaps just 30 birds in the early or mid 1900s, but has yet to result in self-sustaining populations on all islands, although progress is being made in addressing the critical problems.

The Nene is a good example of an endangered species being helped by managed breeding. From only a very few specimens, a good number were bred, mostly in England, and taken to back to Hawaii for release. Mike Lubbock was at the Wildfowl Trust in Slimbridge, England, and helped in returning these birds to the wild.

MIKE’S COMMENTS:
Nenes are still very rare, but there are significant numbers in managed preserves. Sylvan Heights has a good breeding stock, breeding about 20 birds each year. The public can view a large flock of Nenes at the Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park.

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