Hosmer Grove Reopens

Nēnē . Courtesy photo Haleakalā National Park.

By Maui Now Staff

The nesting nēnē family that prompted closure of Hosmer Grove in Haleakalā National Park on Friday, Jan. 9, lost its young gosling, the park service reported.

The Hosmer Grove area closed when the nēnē family was first observed. The campground, road, and trail re-opened on Saturday. The gosling was less than two weeks old when it was found dead on Saturday, before resource managers were able to move the family to a safer location. A necropsy will be performed to determine why the gosling died.

The first few weeks of life are difficult on young birds at the summit due to storms, cold temperatures, and limited access to food and water.

Throughout Hawai‘i, these ground-nesting birds are prey for rats, mongooses, feral cats, and feral dogs. Nēnē must also compete with non-native goats and deer that eat the same vegetation the birds depend upon.

“There are many factors that affect the survival of nēnē,” said Park Chief of Interpretation Polly Angelakis. “One controllable, human factor is driving carefully through nēnē habitat. Observing from a distance and giving the birds plenty of space is another. Reporting any mammals visitors see in the park will also help.”