Hawaiian Goose or Nene (Nay-Nay)

Hawaiian Goose or Nene (Nay-Nay). Haleakala National Park. The Nene is a native Hawaiian Goose that lives in the wild on the islands of Hawaii and Maui. This rare State bird is believed to have descended from the Canada Goose, and isolated on these islands for thousands of years, it has evolved into a distinct species. The reduced webbing of the foot and the ruffle-feathered neck are characteristic of this bird. Living in patches of meadow bounded by lava, the Nene thrives on a diet of berries and grasses., By the mid 1940’s, when Hawaii’s wild Nene population was less than 50 birds, an international effort, centered in England was initiated to save the species from extinction. As of 1975, over 1400 birds have been released on Maui and Hawaii; of these, 391 were set free in Haleakala National Park. Additional young are now reared in these two holding pens; a critical factor in this project is to “imprint” them to this elevation and climate., Through the dedication of many concerned individuals, the Nene has been temporarily saved. Hopefully, in a world enriched by its wildlife, this unique Hawaiian bird will continue to survive.