The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands put in a fence Friday on Maunakea to guard an endangered native hen from feral cats.
The ‘ua‘u, or Hawaiian petrel, is a extremely endangered species of hen that’s primarily discovered on Maui however was rediscovered on Maunakea in 2021 for the primary time in practically 70 years.
Since that discovery, DHHL has elevated efforts to guard the birds from native threats — feral cats particularly. Beginning in January 2022, the division started work on an 8,200-foot cat-proof fence surrounding 93 acres of DHHL land close to Pu‘u Kahinahina on Maunakea’s jap flank.
The fence is 6 ft tall however features a 3-foot extension on the high to stop cats from climbing over it, and a 2-foot buried skirt to stop them from digging underneath it.
The enclosure was accomplished March 22, and a ceremony was held to have fun its completion in partnership with the Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Division of Forestry and Wildlife, the University of Hawaii at Hilo and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services.
“‘Ua‘u were once an abundant cultural resource of Maunakea and an important part of the ecosystem,” mentioned Kuali‘i Camara, DHHL ‘Aina Mauna Resource Manager, in a press release. “Therefore, the purpose of our ceremony is to call the ‘ua‘u home where they will be protected.”
