Bird finds home at lighthouse on island of Kauai

By Bill Wagner

Hawaii is probably not the first place that comes to mind if wildlife is your cup of tea.
But if visitors look long enough in the right places, the rewards are worth the effort, especially when it comes to Hawaii's state bird, the nene.
Kilauea Lighthouse on Kauai is the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Islands. It once claimed to have the largest lens if its kind — a beacon to passing ships. That historic lens has long since been replaced by a low-maintenance light.
Today, the lighthouse is one of the most-visited sites on the island and is home to a burgeoning population of nene, Hawaii's state bird, which is on the endangered species list.
A distant relative of the Canada goose, it is native to the Hawaiian Islands and has earned a spot on the endangered species list, having been hunted to near extinction by humans and predators alike.
While nene on the Big Island face the added threat of mongooses, which enjoy dining on the eggs, the birds on Kauai seem to have a better chance of survival. The island is mongoose-free and folks are intent on keeping it that way.
"Without mongoose, I think nene, as well as all of the other bird species nesting on Kauai, have a better chance of survival," said Brenda Zaun, a biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Kauai National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
"Dogs, cats, rats and barn owls certainly take their toll, but one less predator is an important factor in the success of the nene population growth on Kauai."
By the early 1950s, nene were on the verge of extinction with just an estimated 30 to 50 remaining.
Captive breeding seemed the only way to ensure survival, but that has changed over the years.
"The original (Kauai) nene flock came from a private ranch in Kipu Kai owned by the late John Waterhouse," said Thomas Kaiakapu, Kauai wildlife manager for the Hawaii Department of Land & Natural Resources. "His private collection of about two dozen nene was released into the wild after his passing in 1984."
The population flourished and spread aided by more releases by state biologists.
"The 2007 population estimates on the island of Kauai ranged between 800 to 860 birds with the strongest population on the north shore in Kilauea and the surrounding countryside," Kaiakapu said.
The future looks bright.
"This year our nest numbers are already higher than last year and we're still in nesting season," Zaun said. The lighthouse area seems perfect.
"I am thrilled to see them there (by the lighthouse), because it is a safe place," Zaun said. "The entire refuge (Kilauea Point) is fenced to keep dogs out."
Nonetheless, the endangered species tag is well-earned.
"Survivorship to fledging age (the first year) is around 50 percent at best estimates. Causes of mortality range from disease, genetics, predation and accidents," Kaiakapu said.
Nene, vegetarians, can live for more than 25 years in the wild.