Description: The
Nene, sometimes referred to as the Hawaiian
Goose, is actually a close relative of
the more familiar Canada Goose. Measuring
a little more than two feet in length,
the handsome Nene is mostly brown, with
a buff-colored neck, black face, and black
head. The neck has conspicuous black streaks,
which are actually the dark skin showing
through the diagonal orientation of the
bird's neck feathers . It also appears
to have a black ring that forms that border
between its neck and breast. Females and
males are identical. Interestingly enough,
unlike other members of the goose family,
the feet of the Nene are not completely
webbed.
Diet: The
Nene is purely herbivorous. It eats plants
and grasses.
Range: The
Nene is endemic (native) to the Hawaiian
Islands. Wild populations occur in both
Haleakala and Hawaii Volcanoes National
Parks. The Nene is found on the islands
of Hawaii, Maui, and Kauai
Habitat: The
Nene occurs in grasslands, scrublands,
and along the slopes of Hawaii's volcanoes.
Nesting: The
female Nene incubates her eggs for 30 days.
Fledglings leave the protection of their
parents in about 12 weeks. The Nene has
an extremely long breeding season, which
lasts from November until June. Young birds
are often the victim of feral dogs and
cats.
Status: The
Nene is extremely threatened. The population
of wild birds is thought to number around
1,000. The introduction of non-native cats,
mongooses and dogs have been the primary
culprit in the decline. Captive breeding
programs have helped the species survive.
