NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Endangered female nene "IV," pictured above, was found dead on Monday. The bird was apparently struck by a vehicle at Haleakala National Park on Maui.

Female nene killed by
car at Haleakala

The endangered goose could have
produced 20 more offspring

---

By Gary T. Kubota
gkubota@starbulletin.com

WAILUKU >> An endangered female nene that could have produced 20 more birds during her lifetime has been killed by a vehicle at Haleakala National Park on Maui.

The bird was 11 years old and known by her leg band as "IV." Park spokeswoman Jennifer Talken-Spaulding said "IV" was pronounced "ivy."

She said IV's body was found Monday just beyond a sign advising visitors to watch for nene on the road. The posted speed limit was 30 mph.

She said the nene apparently was struck between 5 and 6:30 a.m.

There are an estimated 200 to 250 wild nene at the park, and IV had produced about 20 of them and was expected to produce 20 more during her lifetime, according to the park.

IV was nurturing a 3-week-old gosling, and the gosling has not been seen since the accident and is presumed dead, officials said.

"It's so sad," said Talken-Spaulding.

IV was also a part of the Adopt-A-Nene program, sponsored by the Friends of Haleakala National Park to promote preservation and enhancement of endangered resources within Haleakala.

Officials cautioned visitors that October through March is the peak nene nesting season in the park, and nene frequently cross the park road during this period.

Nene have begun to associate cars with feeding because visitors in cars have fed them.

Talken-Spaulding said motorists are asked not to feed the birds and to obey posted speed limits and be alert, especially during rainy or cloudy days with poor visibility.

She said if visitors hit or see an injured nene, they should notify park officials immediately.