Honolulu, Hawaii – The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has introduced new protections aimed at safeguarding the endangered nēnē, Hawaii’s state bird, in Lili‘uokalani Park and Gardens on Hawaii Island. These measures, focused on prohibiting the feeding of cats, come after years of tragic losses among the geese due to predation by feral and domestic cats. Officials hope the changes will provide the nēnē with a safer environment to nest and raise their young, contributing to broader wildlife conservation efforts in the state.
The nēnē, scientifically known as Branta sandvicensis, is a iconic symbol of Hawaii’s native biodiversity. Once on the brink of extinction, recovery programs managed by the DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) have helped stabilize populations, but challenges persist in urban and semi-urban areas like Lili‘uokalani Park. Located in Hilo, the park is a popular recreational spot offering outdoor activities such as walking trails, ponds, and gardens that attract both visitors and wildlife. However, the presence of cats, often fed by well-meaning park-goers, has created a deadly hazard for the ground-nesting nēnē.
Predation by cats has been a significant factor in nēnē mortality, particularly affecting goslings and nesting adults. In recent years, multiple incidents of nēnē deaths in the park have been linked to cat attacks, prompting urgent action from state agencies. The new prohibitions target the feeding of cats, which draws both stray and pet animals into the area, increasing encounters with the geese. Signs will be posted throughout the park to educate visitors, and enforcement will be handled by the DLNR’s Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE). Violations could result in citations, emphasizing the importance of responsible behavior in shared spaces.
DOFAW, responsible for managing Hawaii’s native species and habitats, views this initiative as part of a comprehensive strategy to protect vulnerable wildlife. The division collaborates with community partners to monitor nēnē populations and habitats across the islands. Lili‘uokalani Park’s ponds and grassy areas provide ideal foraging and nesting grounds, but human-related disturbances have complicated conservation. By addressing cat feeding, the DLNR aims to reduce non-native predator impacts, allowing natural recovery processes to take hold.
This effort aligns with ongoing conservation programs that emphasize public participation in protecting Hawaii’s unique ecosystems. For instance, DOFAW’s wildlife initiatives include habitat restoration and predator control in natural areas, extending benefits to sites like Lili‘uokalani Park. The nēnē recovery plan, a long-term federal and state partnership, has seen successes in fenced sanctuaries, but urban protections like these are crucial for expanding safe zones. Community awareness is key; park visitors are encouraged to report cat feeding or aggressive animals to authorities, fostering a collective commitment to sustainability.
The timing of these protections is particularly vital as nēnē breeding season approaches in early spring. With nesting typically beginning in late winter, the absence of fed cats could significantly improve survival rates for eggs and chicks. Historical data from DOFAW indicates that predator reduction efforts in similar settings have boosted fledging success by up to 30 percent in monitored populations, underscoring the potential impact here. One concrete example of related work is the ongoing management of nēnē in nearby state parks, where similar restrictions have led to observed increases in family groups.
Beyond immediate protections, the DLNR is promoting education on coexisting with wildlife. Interpretive materials at Lili‘uokalani Park will highlight the nēnē’s cultural significance to Native Hawaiians and its role in the ecosystem as a seed disperser and indicator of environmental health. Visitors engaging in outdoor activities are reminded to keep pets leashed and avoid feeding any animals, aligning with broader habitat preservation goals.
These steps reflect the DLNR’s dedication to balancing public access with resource protection. As Hawaii faces ongoing pressures from invasive species and development, initiatives like this one demonstrate proactive management by state agencies. The hope is that Lili‘uokalani Park can once again serve as a thriving haven for the nēnē, enhancing opportunities for wildlife viewing and appreciation among residents and tourists alike.
For more information, visit Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.