Nene to return WAILUKU >> State officials are planning to reintroduce into the wilderness endangered nene on Molokai by late summer and are looking at starting a similar project on Lanai for the geese.
to Molokai
State officials look to set up a
safe haven for the state birdBy Gary T. Kubota
Maui correspondentUnder its first "Safe Harbor Agreement," the state will develop a protected nesting area at Puu O Hoku Ranch on Molokai for the nene.
In return, the state, working with federal officials, has guaranteed the ranch will not be subjected to increased land-use restrictions or liability through the Endangered Species Act.
Through the reintroduction, the state eventually hopes to have about 200 nene on Molokai, including 75 on the ranch.
The nene, designated as the state bird, has been making a comeback in protected areas.
According to state officials, the estimated numbers total a little more than 1,100 statewide, including 250 on Maui, 420 on the Big Island and 450 on Kauai.
The number of nene were estimated at 25,000 in the 1800s but by 1950, its numbers had dwindled to about 30, according to state research.
State wildlife biologist John S. Medeiros said to increase their likelihood of survival at the ranch, the state plans to erect a large metal pen larger than a football field and capable of delivering electrical shocks to discourage predators.
Medeiros said a couple of older nene will be kept within the enclosure at all times to encourage the other nene to return to the protected area.
The state plans to obtain 15 nene from its endangered bird species facility at Olinda and transfer them to the Molokai facility in late July or early August, once the structure is built.
Medeiros said the reintroduction of the nene on Kauai has been very successful, partially because the island has no mongooses.
He said once the facility on Molokai is completed, state officials plan to look at reintroducing the nene on Lanai, another island with no mongooses.
Medeiros said there is no guarantee the nene will stay in one place and that some of them migrate between sections of the islands.
For instance, nene released in west Maui have been found about 20 miles away on Haleakala.
Medeiros said some people assume nene cannot fly because they are seen walking in captivity or because the bird is confused with Hawaii's flightless ibis.
He said the wings of nene in captivity have been clipped to prevent them from flying.
A flock of nene has been seen flying in V-formation on air currents on the southern rim of Haleakala.