Nene and Accumulated Environmental Impact by Walter B. Sturgeon, Jr. Lee, New Hampshire Accumulated environmental impact on the Nene, or Hawaiian, Goose commenced with man's occupation of the Islands some 1,200 to 1,400 years ago. During that period, the Nene population fell from an esti­ mated 25,000 to an estimated 30 birds by 1949. The losses were due to man's direct activities on the Islands and the impact of other and organisms introduced by man. Restoration of the Nene to a por­ tion of its former range began over 40 years ago and has been only margin­ ally successful. Captive propagation of the Nene, both on and off the islands, played a major role in this restoration effort. The program has suffered from lack of resources, insuf­ ficient initial and follow-up field work, and lack of genetic diversity in the captive population. This early and long running effort to restore the Nene has afforded us an opportunity to reflect on various Jerome Pratt withfirst twopairs ofNene aspects of the program and apply the in Nene Park atHaleakala in 1971. lessons learned to more recent c attempts involving other . It is o Q) 0) probably not too late to apply some :s U5 of these lessons to the Nene itself, but ~ efforts appear to be stalled, and we .n>. are in danger of losing this species .8 o ..c once again. This article will discuss 0.. Nene biology, history, predators, restoration, and genetic management and emphasize the lessons learned. Continued onpage 10

Nene with one-week-oldyoung in Mike Lubbock~scollection.

Nene in author~scollection.

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afa WATCHBIRD 9 , (Continuedfrom page 8) Biology History The Nene ( or Nesochen The Hawaiian Islands began to sandvicensis) is one of 30 bird spe­ appear one to ten million years ago cies classified as endangered in with the big island of among 1990 COMMITTEES Hawaii. It is a member of the sub­ the youngest. In recent times, the AVIAN RESEARCH family Anserinae which includes Nene was found only on this island, Dr. Susan Clubb (305) 226-6778 whistling , and true but there is fossil evidence to suggest AVIAN TRANSPORTATION geese. The origin of this small terres­ that it also occurred on , Clifton Witt (301) 589-1262 trial goose has been debated for years, and . The goose ranged from AVYAWARDS as has its classification. The Nene has elevations of 8,000 feet down to sea Dale Thompson (805) 252-4871 been included in the genus Branta level. CALIFORNIA LIAISON because of its apparent affinities with The first Polynesians arrived on the Laurella Desborough (415) 372-6174 the . This possible Islands between 500 and 750 CITES ancestry is reinforced yearly by the A.D., and the accumulated environ­ Lee Phillips (301) 798-1353 presence of a few Canada Geese and mental impact we are dealing with CLUB PROMOTION Brant on the Islands in the winter. today started at that time. This early Others have argued for a southern impact came from the dogs and , CONSERVATION hemisphere origin, linking it to the and possibly pigs and rats, which they Jack Clinton-Eitniear (512) 828-5306 Orinoco Goose (Nesochen jubatus) brought with them and from man's MEETS &CONVENTIONS or the Cereopsis Goose (Cereopsis harvest for food. The lowland popu­ COORDINATOR lations suffered the most from the Richard Schubot (407) 793-5135 novaehollandiae). This question should be resolved in the very near encroachment of these settlers. The CONVENTION 1990 Tom Marshall (703) 759-5978 future, through rapidly developing Nene was able to survive into the his­ Mark Sargent (301) 585-4124 DNA classification analysis. toric period on Hawaii and maybe The Nene is nonmigratory even to Maui because these were the only EDUCATION AND MEDIA SERVICES Kayla Snyder (215) 855-4463 the extent that it seldom moves from islands in the chain with subalpine It ETHICS one island to another. is taller, has zones that provided suitable habitat Trudi Dam (813) 422-5239 shorter wings, and a slightly longer, for the Nene but not for Polynesians. FINANCE turned down bill than other geese of When the sailing ships began to Vicki Fletcher (206) 841-2705 similar weight. Additional adapta­ arrived in the late 1600s and early LEGAL COUNSEL tions to its island habitat include 1700s, the natives gave the geese to Dan McCormic (contact thru AFA office) occupying a smaller range than any the ships' crews, often in exchange LEGISLATION other goose, standing upright and for rats, which the Polynesians con­ Ruth Hanessian (301) 424-7387 feeding on berries, herbs and . sidered a delicacy. The islanders also MEMBERSHIP SERVICES The bulk of its legs is 25% greater domesticated the geese and used Joe McLaughlin (503) 538-6323 than other geese, and the tendons of them as watch geese. By the early AFA IN BRIEF (monthly newsletter) the toes are stronger. Its adaptation to 1800s, the population estimates of Gary Clifton (602) 946-1304 climbing and running over rough 25,000 birds began to decline rapidly NOMINATING AND ELECTIONS ground include flexible, elongated as the direct activities of man and Diana McNabb (602) 992-4483 toes, reduced webbing, large nails indirect agents of man's activities had PARLI MENTARIAN and protective pads on the soles of overwhelming impacts. Man's direct Gary Clifton Bus. (602) 945-7736 the feet. activities included exploration, fire­ Res. (602) 946-1304 Currently, Nenes live in kipukas, arms, harassment, wood gathering PUBLIC RELATIONS vegetated areas among the more and ranching to name a few. The in­ Linda Rubin (617) 469-0557 recent lava flows between 5,000 and direct agents of man's activities PUBLICATIONS 8,000 feet. It usually breeds at two included rats, goats, pigs, sheep, M. Jean Hessler (714) 548-3133 years old and has the ability to copu­ cattle, horses, donkeys, mongooses, FAX (714) 548-0420 late out of water. Unlike most other introduced game birds, mynahs, ants, RAFFLE birds, it comes into breeding condi­ mosquitoes and introduced plants. tion with decreasing day length, From 1900 on, the bird was consid­ SPEAKERS which means it breeds on Hawaii ered rare and by 1909 was found only Jerry Pace (601) 781-2364 starting in October or November and in the highlands of the big island. SPECIAL ADVISOR - on into February. Nests are usually Various agencies' conflicting reports Dr. Richard E. Baer (614) 836-5832 found under pukeawe bushes. The and statements abound on the Nene's Gary Lilienthal (617) 542-7070 species lays small clutches, two to status during the first half of this cen­ WAYS AND MEANS tury and had very little field work to A. B. McNabney (415) 945-1785 three , and the eggs are large in comparison to body size, both of support them. However, an 18-month BUSINESS OFFICE which are typical of island birds. The survey in 1946 and 1947 resulted in Sue Jordan (602) 484-0931 incubation period is 30 days. The no wild geese being seen. By 1949, . WATCHBIRDSTAFF young have a long fledging period, 70 the wild population was estimated at Jack Chnt~n-EitniearfEditor (512) 828-5306 days. The productive life of a wild no higher than 30 birds. Jerry JennlngsfEditor (818) 884-5476 Nene is usually over by 12 years of Dale Thompson/Editor (805) 252-4871 age, and an old bird is 15 years. In Predators Jea~ M. Hessler/ FAX (714) 548-0420 As mentioned earlier, the initial Art Director, Production (714) 548-3133 captivity, the birds live and produce Mark SargentfAdvertising (301) 585-4124 for a longer period. One bird is settlers brought dogs and cats·which known to have lived for 42 years. preyed on both eggs and geese in a 10 June /July 1990 habitat that had previously had no GREENWOOD AVIARY land mammals. The Nene was the big­ Jane and Charles Stutz Protect Your gest land animal in the islands when P.O Box 1472· HendCISon, NC 27536 the settlers arrived. Early sailing ships (919) 492-9690· (919) 492-4101 Psltlacullurl.ls Birdls Health released animals such as . .f . Featuring ._. _ . Domestic, Handled Vaccinate your cattle, horses, sheep, goats and don­ -v "." ~m. CCIJ80 O"'Y', Cockatoos, Amazons, keys, which destroyed the habitat of &,., . MacaWll,Pionu.&Senegal• against Pacheco's & Pox the geese. Feral pigs preyed on both -V See an avian veterinarian eggs and young and would kill an for bird checkups & testing adult goose if caught on the nest. With such a variety of grazers, practi­ The Wright Roost Veterinarians are available Jeri Wright cally all of the vegetation was utilized 1 nationwide for services (206) 838·9802 by one species or another. To ensure NCNI HAND-FEEDING Hyacinths & othermacaws, Cockatoos California Avian Lab the success of these animals, King & Amazons Kamehameha declared a lO-year kapu Domestic, Close-Banded (916) 722-1169 24hr (moratorium) on killing them and, as Roudybush Distributor a result, they multiplied rapidly and moved into the forests to find food. Eventually, these feral animals ranged over the entire habitat of the Nene. ~",f.R'CI9+ From 1921 to 1946, 10,000 of these .. introduced animals were killed every " .,) year in forest reserves alone. They are Commercial ~ ~ /y);) ; Members ... S::c • "- still found on many of the islands, ....0+ ~ (..;:,.... including Hawaii. OF A'" Goats were especially destructive About Birds, Hebron, IL Kellogg, Inc., Milwaukee, WI and were able to find all of their All About Birds, Fairfield, OH Kim Heflin, Professional Pet Nanny, requirements in the lava flow areas American Bird Company, The Plains, VA favored by the Nene. One measure of Falls Church, VA lIM Animal Fanns, Pleasant Plain, OH Animal Crackers, Greendale, WI Lake's Minnesota Macaws, Inc., their success might be the 184,000 Animal Environments, Carlsbad, CA 51. Paul, MN goat skins exported between 1885 Animal Kingdom, Inc., Chicago, IL Lu-Chow Aviaries, FI. Lauderdale, FL and 1900. Population estimates in Animal Kingdom, Dallas, TX Luv Them Birds, Miami, FL 1971 placed 14,000 goats in Volcano Arizona Biological Control Inc., M.D.S., Inc., 51. Petersburg, FL Tucson, AZ Magnolia Bird Fann, Anaheim, CA National Park, which includes part of Avian & Animal Hospital, Largo, FL Micro Bio Products, Tempe, AZ the Nene's present breeding range. Avicultural Breeding &Research Center, Miramar Animal Hospital Inc., The mongoose, a predator on any Loxahatchee, FL Jacksonville, FL ground nesting bird, was introduced B&RBird Ranch, Apache Junction, AZ Jungle, Inc., Miami, FL in 1883 to control rats in the sugar­ Bassett's Cricket Ranch, Inc., Visalia, CA Parrot River, Richmond, VA Beastly Distributing, Brooklyn, NY Parrotville Aviaries, SI. Clair, MI cane fields. The birds proved to be Biomune, Inc., Lenexa, KS Pet Fann, Inc., Miami, FL much easier prey, the mongoose Bird Expo, Laguna Niguel, CA Petables Plus, Hampstead, MD multiplied rapidly, with very little Birds of Paradise, Houston, TX Pelland - Flint, Michigan impact on the rat population. Blue Products, Tucson, AZ Pelland - White Flint Plaza, Canary &Finch Joumal, Kensington, MD All of the predators mentioned Lake Oswego, OR Pets Supplies Marketing, Deluth, MN above, and others such as game birds, Citrus Park Animal Hospital, Tampa, FL Pretty Bird International, Hugo, MN were purposely introduced by man. Corners Ltd., Inc., Kalamazoo, MI Purina Mills, Inc., SI. Louis, MO Accidentally introduced organisms Country Critters, Ltd., Medford, NY Ratnavira Wildlife Art Gallery, Crofton Animal Hospital, Gambrills, MD Fallbrook, CA also contributed to the Nene's demise Di Vinci Ltd., Las Vegas, NV Reliable Protein Products Inc., and continue to restrict its habitat Docktor Pet Center /450, Studio City, CA today. Avian pox, probably carried to Watertown, MA Roudybush, Davis, CA the Islands by an introduced game East Coast Aviaries, Inc., Conway, SC Santa Barbara Bird Farm, bird, was transmitted to the Nene by Eight In One Pet Products, Inc., Santa Barbara, CA Hauppauge, NY Scarlet Oak AViaries, Glenwillow, OH an introduced mosquito. Elgas Studios, Big Timber, MT Special Diets Services, Essex, England Legal hunting of the Nene between Erect Easy Wire Co., Inc., Super Pets, Pets Intemational Ltd., September 15 and February 1 was not N. Hollywood, CA Arlington Heights, IL stopped until 1909, and poaching of Eric H. Peake, United Kingdom Creek Supply-Grumbach Fiesta Toys of Florida, Pensacola, FL Incubators, Saginaw, MI the birds, while hunting introduced FTD Aviaries, Nokeville, VA Tammy's Landing, Kemville, CA , is still a problem today. As Hagen Avicultural Research Institute, The Bird Shop, Sacramento, CA late as 1944, game biologists were Rockwood, Ontario, Canada The Birdello, Soquel, CA publishing unjustifiably optimistic House of Hausers, Inc., The Chicken Ranch, Livingston, TN College Park, MD The Reptile Place, Mahwal, NJ statements about how this change in In Flight Aviaries, Boynton Beach, FL Thee Birdie Bordello, EI Segundo, CA law would allow the species to Jennifer Darling, Sunnyvale, CA Union Street Veterinarian Hospital, recover in the mountainous areas. John Ball Zoological Park, Schenectady, NY Grand Rapids, MI Wilson's Parrots, Alexandria, VA Restoration Kaytee Products, Inc., Chilton, WI Zeigler Bros. Inc., Gardner, PA Zoovival, Inc., Clearwater, FL With estimates of 30 birds in captivity in 1949, the State of Hawaii,

afa WATeRBIRD 11 with some support from the USFWS, Genetic Diversity and Weakness adapted to a different altitude and started the first formal Nene recovery The Nene is far from secure even humidity than that needed in their effort. A rancher, Herbert Shipman, though there are far more of them remaining habitat. Captive birds do provided the initial two pairs of Nene today than in 1950. They essentially not seem to have the ability to digest to the captive breeding facility at disappeared from the wild in the natural diets and do not recognize Pahakuloa. The birds came from early 1900s, and the birds that are left edible foods in some instances. Lati­ stock that he had kept since 1918 are progeny of those held by Herbert tude, growing season and breeding without additional wild blood. One Shipman from 1918. The total num­ season are often changed in captivity. of the two males died before it repro­ ber of founders when the captive Behavior, especially imprinting, is a duced, leaving only three founders. propagation program started in 1949 concern. Hens or humans are very At about this time, a poultry farmer, was less than 10 birds, most of which poor substitutes for Nene parents. the legendary Ah Fat Lee, was hired to were already inbred for 30 years. This develop and run the facility, which he was the second time they had been Lessons Learned did for the next 30 odd years. Three through the genetic squeeze. Genetic The Nene recovery effort is now additional birds were added later, but diversity was lacking to start with due over 40 years old, and it is important the element of genetic diversity was to the postulated of the that it be reviewed for lessons sadly lacking. One trio of birds was birds from only a few lost geese learned. sent to the Wildfowl Trust in Slim­ eons ago. Island species are particularly bridge, England in 1950 and placed In the short span of the 30 to 40 vulnerable to accumulated environ­ under the care of Peter Scott. years in which Shipman's birds were mental impact. When attempting Between 1949 and 1978, Pahakuloa absent from the wild, their habitat rescue, it is necessary to decide what had raised 1,699 birds. By 1978, evolved into something quite dif­ the terms of the effort are: do you some 1,761 were released in the wild, ferent than what it was when they reintroduce the species or are you including birds raised at the Wildfowl left. Their evolution simply did not content with a permanent captive Trust. All the Wildfowl Trust birds keep up. population? were released on Maui in the Halea­ While many of the following Habitat must be available and kala crater. By 1985, the effort in remarks could be used as arguments suitable for reintroduction. Putting Hawaii had cost over $500,000 with against , it is important to birds back into a habitat in which very little actually spent on raising recognize some of the problems they are not successful makes no the geese. The majority went to main­ captive propagation brings with it. sense until the cause for their demise tain various biologists, committees, The lack of genetic diversity has is found and corrected. In the case of etc. Through the resourcefulness of undoubtedly led to many of the cur­ the Nene, their lack of success in the Ah Fat Lee in scavenging materials rent problems experienced by both wild is only generally understood, and a lot ofvolunteer labor, the actual captive and wild birds. There is a real and a good deal more field work is breeding facilities were constructed case to be made for questioning needed to fully understand the and maintained on a very small whether we have the same bird after hazards they face. budget. 10 to 15 generations in captivity. Particular attention must be paid Techniques included captive pen Problems encountered include poor to the gene pool. The American Asso­ rearing, hard release, soft release, fertility, twisted legs, hairy down on ciation of Zoological Parks and Nene parks, foster parentage and chicks, mean gander syndrome, a Aquariums' Species Survival Plan is transplant. Birds were banded prior high percentage of homozygous an attempt to address this problem in to release so that wild birds and lethal genes causing embryo mor­ some endangered species. This pro­ young raised from released birds tality, club feet and others. These gram is computer based and designed could be readily identified. The last genetic defects, which are usually to maintain 90% of the genetic diver­ and best estimate of the wild popula­ recessive, are more likely to come sity for 200 years. tion (300 on Hawaii, 119 on Maui, together in captive inbred popula­ Preserve a species before heroic and 29 on Kauai) is from data tions, and their effects emerge in efforts are required. Many current obtained from the State of Hawaii, offspring. In a captive situation, these waterfowl populations are nearing Department of Land and Natural weak birds have the benefit of medi­ the point where reversing the down Resources. cation and modern husbandry tech­ trend borders on such an effort. This current wild population is niques that give them a much better Threatened species must be identified what we have to show for 40 years of chance of survival. In captivity, you and research on their biology and effort. The objective of the Nene also make positive selections to stay habitat initiated at once. Recovery Plan, issued by USFWS in away from one trait and often rein­ There must be continuous, consis­ 1983, was "2,000 birds on Hawaii force another. tent, coordinated management of and 250 on Maui, well distributed in More subtle genetic changes are recovery efforts. In the case of the secure habitat and maintained exclu­ also taking place as the Nene con­ Nene, cooperation between the U.S. sively by natural reproduction". They tinues to evolve in captivity. Only Fish and Wildlife Service and the vari­ did concede that it would require certain birds tolerate captivity and ous state agencies was often lacking. continued control of predators and live to breed. These birds tend to be The Nene Recovery Team, which was noxious plants. The program is still a undisturbed by noise and activity or to have oversight of the effort, is long way from reaching that goal and strange objects. They are less aggres­ often without a full complement of many individuals who have worked sive and less wary of predators. Birds members and is consequently ineffec­ with the population believe that the that breed in small pens tend to tive. State efforts are often without maintenance ofa captive flock will be defend less territory. Larger clutches funds to maintain a consistent effort required indefinitely. of smaller eggs with shells have at the breeding facility and in the 12 June / July 1990 , THE AVIARIES DREAM • I---+----CUSTOMIZED ENVIROMENTSI--t----t

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afa WATCHBIRD 13 field. the Nene and, in some instances, do Follow-up field work is imperative not keep them at all. An effort was to monitor success of the recovery made to reduce the Nene to threat­ effort. Marking systems must be used ened status outside of Hawaii, which consistently. Genealogies of banded would have allowed the bird to be wild and captive birds must be traded freely among aviculturists but, compiled. in the face of overwhelming support The issue of hunting a species for the idea, the USFWS denied the toward extinction must be addressed petition, The only opposition to the as early aspossible. Case after case of petition was a letter from the Gover­ failure to confront both subsistence nor of Hawaii, written for him by a and sport hunters can be cited. Mini­ biologist who, when questioned on mum self-sustaining wild populations the position he took, could offer must be established and harvest nothing except that he was opposed controlled no matter how unpopular. to downgrading. It may be necessary to close entire areas to all hunting to prevent inci­ References MODEL 4824-1 A dental killing or poaching of the Cadieux, e. 1981. These are the Endangered. 46"W x 50"H x 22"0 (INSIDE) endangered species. Washington: Stonewall Press. Delacour, J. 1954. The Waterfowt ofthe World, CAGE MADE OF: An active education and informa­ tion program is extremely important Vol. 1. London: Country Life. • 1" MOLDED SUPERTOUGH NYLON CORNERS Greenway, J.e., Jr. 1967. Extinct ana Vanish­ • 15/16" SQUARE, 0.40" WALL ALUMINUM TUBING in gaining public support and • 2" X 1/2", 16 GAUGE, GALVANIZED BEFORE ing Birds of the Worla, New York: Dover WELDED WIRE understanding of a restoration Publications. • 28 GAUGE, GALVANIZED SHEET MtoTAL TRAY effort. This effort is at least half of a Kear, J. and Berger, A.J, 1980. The Hawaiian • WIRE FLOORS AVAILABLE • CAGE SHIPPED UNASSEMBLED U.P.S viable wildlife law enforcement Goose. Vermillion, S.D.: Buteo Books. program. These programs should Lubbock, M. 1975. "The Nene at home." Wild­ ~ 1-800-456-6780 I VISA I life Trust Bulletin. No, 72: 11. ~ CALL TOLL FREE TODAY _ concentrate on school students, Morin, M. 1987. "Nene Restoration Plan." probably at the grade school level, Hawaii: DLNR. who can take the message home to Owen, M. 1980. Wild Geese of the World, their families, Fakenham, Norfolk: Fakenham Press Ltd, [CCorners Limited Pratt,].]. 1970. "The Nene's return to Maui." Alternate habitat should be con­ P.O, BOX 695 • KALAMAZOO, MI ·49005-695 Modern Game Breeding 6(4): 10-12. sidered. Because of the rapid changes Pratt, J.]' 1987. "Biopolitics and the recovery that take place in captivity, the possi­ of the Nene." Submitted to IWWA for publi­ bility of introducing the endangered cation. species to a different but very similar Pratt, J.J. 1989. "Regulations endanger the Nene." Salt Lake City: Gamebird Breeder's habitat until it can be returned to its Gazette. own must be thoroughly explored. Santos, N, 1989. "Job Progress Report - Evalu­ Soft or gradual release programs, ation of a management program for the such as the Nene Park concept, Nene on the island of Hawaii." State of Hawaii - Department of Land and Natural appear to be much more successful Resources. in repopulation efforts. Parent­ Schulz, P,E. 1939. "Memorandum for Director reared birds raised close to the natural - Compilation of eleven references going habitat should be used if at all pos­ back to William Ellis, 1823, on Hawaiian sible. This type of effort must have wildlife data in general and the Nene in par­ ticular," Hawaii National Park. the necessary resources, which are Stewart, D. 1978. Fromthe Edge ofExtinction. often quite extensive, dedicated to it. London: Frederick Warne Ltd. These resources must be ready when Sturgeon, W.B., Jr. 1986. "Aviculture under the birds are ready, attack," Bozeman, MT: lWWA Newsletter 86(3). Institutional orprivate efforts are Telfer, T.e. 1989, "Job Progress Report - Sur­ often far more successful than vey of the Nene population on Kauai." State government efforts. They circumvent of Hawaii - Department of Land and Natu­ the expenSive bureaucracy and ral Resources. channel a much greater percentage of Ueoka, M.L.H. 1989, "Job Progress Report­ Survey of the Nene population on Maui." the available resources to the birds State of Hawaii - Department of Land and themselves. Natural Resources. The Endangered Species Act and Weller, M.W. 1980, The Island Waterfowl. \Ve Buy Birds its regulations must be re-evaluated Ames: Iowa University Press. Zimmerman, D.R. 1975. To Save a Bira in as it relates to native birds. In the Peril. New York: Coward, McCann and We Shlp Birds case of the Nene, the protection that Geoghegan. COMPLETE BIRD SUPPLIES was afforded by law has proved very counterproductive. Control of this About the Author (714) 527- 3387 species in interstate commerce has Walter Sturgeon is the current president of the International Wild Waterfowl Association. Open 9 to 6 Closed Sun., Mon., Holidays caused further degradation of the existing gene pool by inbreeding. Due He maintains a collection of some 200 birds of 8990 Cerritos Ave. 25 species including waterfowl and cranes in Anaheim, Ca. 92804 to the lack of ability to move birds, Lee, New Hampshire. Walter has maintained some breeders have given up breeding and bred a flock of Nene for 15 years, •

14 Jillle / July 1990