The majestic Hawaiian Goose is back from the brink of extinction after 60 years of conservation work in the area.

Locally known as the nene, the goose was placed on the Endangered Species list in 1967 after populations of the bird plummeted from 25,000 in the 1700s down to just 30 by 1952. Introduced species, habitat destruction and poaching all contributed to the birds’ dramatic decline.

Since the nene was placed on the endangered species list, conservationists have engaged in an intensive captive breeding program, coupled with rigorous habitat restoration and active management strategies. These efforts have helped populations bounce back dramatically to almost 3,000 birds and in a huge success story, last week the species was removed from the endangered list. 

“Today’s announcement highlights the progress (that) the Endangered Species Act intends to deliver,” said U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt in a statement.

“Through collaboration and hard work the n?n? is out of intensive care and on a pathway to recovery.”

The release of captive-bred nene on national wildlife refuges, national parks, and state and private lands over recent decades has saved the species for future generations. Today, there are more than 2,800 birds with stable or increasing populations on Kaua‘i, Maui and Hawai‘i Island and an additional population on Moloka‘i.

 

Positive Action

• If you’re passionate about conservation, check out the amazing work of the Australian Conservation Foundation.
• Our native wildlife depends on a healthy ecosystem to survive. Help them out by planting a native in your local area for National Tree Day.

 

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Positive Environment News has been compiled using publicly available information. Planet Ark does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the original information and encourages readers to check the references before using this information for their own purposes.