NPS: “A portion of Crater Rim Trail between the USGS Triangulation station and the parking lot at Uekahuna is closed to protect nene nesting in the area.” (NPS Photo)
(BIVN) – Some areas in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park have been closed to guard a pair of breeding nēnē, the uncommon and endemic Hawaiian goose.
The National Park Service says a part of the parking zone at Uēkahuna and a brief stretch of Crater Rim Trail east are actually quickly off-limits to the general public. Park officers say the western overlook and restrooms at Uēkahuna stay open, as do dozens of parking spots and the big bus stalls. Additional areas may shut with little discover, if biologists decide the nēnē pair requires extra safety.
“The temporary closure prevents human activity from disrupting the nēnē family and is an important action we take to help them survive and raise their young,” stated Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Wildlife Biologist, Dr. Kristina Paxton in a information launch. “Nēnē face many challenges, including predation by feral cats and mongoose and deadly contact with vehicles.”
From the National Park Service:
Nēnē usually mate for all times. Female nēnē lay between two and 5 eggs and can incubate them whereas the male guards the household. Incubation takes about 30 days, however re-nesting may happen if eggs are destroyed or deserted.
Nēnē nesting season is October by May, and plenty of geese are seen on or close to roadways all through the park, making them particularly vulnerable to lethal car strikes this time of yr. Visitors may help shield nēnē by slowing down, looking ahead to nēnē close to roads, and by no means, ever feeding nēnē. Keep wildlife wild and provides nēnē area by staying at the very least 60 ft from them.
Last yr, a unique nēnē pair nested close to the western finish of Uēkahuna which prompted a five-week closure of your complete parking zone, restrooms and overlook to guard the household.
The HVNP website has extra data on nēnē.
