Scientific Name:
Branta sandvicensis
Distribution
Hawaiian Islands
Diet:
Vegetarian. Grasses, herbs, berries, leaves, green parts of sedges and plants with high water content.
Facts
Habitat: Poorly vegetated volcanic slopes, grasslands.
Incubation: 29-32 days / 3-5eggs
Social structure: pairs, family groups
Weight: male 3050gr max, female 2560gr max
Dimensions: 56-71cm
Lifespan: 28 max
Estimated population in the wild: ~2,500
Threats: Loss and alteration of habitat, predation by the introduced small Indian mongoose, dogs, cats, pigs and rats, diseases and parasites, road kills, low breeding rate.
IUCN Status: Vulnerable.
Did you know that:
- The Hawaiian Goose was named "Nene" by the locals for its call made in flight or when approached.
- They have longer legs and less toe webbing than other geese, adaptations which aid walking on lava flows.
- Unlike other geese, they don't need open water, however, they will swim if there is water near their nests.