It’s almost summer and nene have begun to reappear in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, after being less visible since fall and winter, when they hunker down to nest, raise goslings and grow a new set of flight feathers (molt).
It’s almost summer and nene have begun to reappear in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, after being less visible since fall and winter, when they hunker down to nest, raise goslings and grow a new set of flight feathers (molt).
Nene have started to flock, and younger nene are taking their first flights. Drivers are reminded to slow down and watch out for the native geese on roadways in and out of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Two young fledglings were killed recently on Crater Rim Drive, between Kilauea Overlook and Jaggar Museum, by an unknown motorist. The young birds, which were around 6 months old, were discovered by a park ranger.
“Young fledglings test out their wings and explore new territories this time of year,” said wildlife biologist Kathleen Misajon, manager of the park’s Nene Recovery Program. “The park uses nene crossing signs to alert motorists to key areas, however, until the young birds learn the ropes from their parents, the areas they choose to land can be unpredictable.
“It’s so important to be extra vigilant when driving so these kinds of accidents don’t happen.”
Nene, the largest native land animal in Hawaii, are present in the park and other locations on Hawaii Island year-round. They blend in with their surroundings and can be difficult for drivers to spot. They are federally listed as endangered.
Nene crossing signs posted throughout the park call attention to roadside areas frequented by nene. These include Crater Rim Drive, Chain of Craters Road and sections of Highway 11. Motorists are urged to use extra caution in signed nene crossing areas and to obey posted speed limits.
By 1952, only 30 birds remained statewide. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park began efforts to recover the species in the 1970s.
The Nene Recovery Program continues today and more than 250 birds thrive in the park from sea level to around 8,000 feet. More than 2,500 nene exist statewide.
Wild nene, the world’s rarest goose, are only found in Hawaii and are the last survivor of several other endemic geese. Their strong feet sport padded toes and reduced webbing, an adaptation that allows them to traverse rough terrain such as lava plains. Most nene fly between nighttime roosts and daytime feeding grounds.
To report nene on the road inside the park, call 985-6170; outside of the park, call 974-4221.