DISTRIBUTION AND HABITAT
The Hawaiian Goose, or nene, is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It inhabits a variety of habitats, including grasslands, scrub forests, and sparsely vegetated volcanic slopes.
BEHAVIOUR
Nenes forage solely on land. They have longer and stronger legs and less webbed feet than other geese which allowes them to walk and run very swiftly
on volcanic lava flows. They stay in family groups or they can also live in flocks of up to 30 birds.
DIET
They are herbivores and eat leaves, grasses, flowers, berries and seeds.
REPRODUCTION
Nenes form life-long pair bonds. The female incubates and the male guards the female on the nest. Clutches consist of between 1 and 5 eggs.
Chicks are precocial, stop following parents within one year, and are sexually mature within 2 to 3 years.
GOOD TO KNOW
Nenes are the state bird of Hawaii and are thus a state symbol. It is now the rarest goose in the world. In 1952, only 30 wild individuals remained.
- Latin name: Branta sandvicensis
- IUCN Red List – VU – vulnerable
- CITES – Appendix I
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