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Animals USA30. December 2019

Hawaiian Goose Now Flying High After Near Extinction

Hawaii’s state bird, the nēnē, had been on the brink of extinction for decades. But this month highlighted a glimpse of hope as the species was officially downlisted from its endangered status, on a path towards recovery.

The population of the nēnē – also known as the Hawaiian Goose – shrunk to a mere few dozens around the mid-twentieth century and was listed as an endangered species by 1967.

Rigorous efforts followed to save the species from extinction, including an intensive captive breeding program as well as restoration and management strategies. The efforts proved successful and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service downlisted the nēnē from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act. 

“Today’s announcement highlights the progress the Endangered Species Act intends to deliver,” says U.S. Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt. “Through collaboration and hard work the nēnē is out of intensive care and on a pathway to recovery.”

Source:
U.S. Department of the Interior

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