Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan - U.S. Fish and Wildlife ...

Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge
Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Rationale:
Currently, nēnē nest throughout the existing grasslands that are being restored to forest. These
grasslands are located in the upper elevations (approximately 6,000-6,500 ft). As the forest develops
and matures, nēnē nesting will occur primarily on lands adjacent to the Refuge.
In this area of Hawai‘i, nēnē typically use mid- to high-elevation native and nonnative shrubland
and early successional grasslands, native alpine grasslands and shrublands, and open native and
nonnative alpine shrubland-woodland community interfaces. The areas nēnē inhabit typically have
less than 7.5 ft of annual rainfall.
Nēnē nests, eggs, and young are vulnerable to predation. On the Refuge, they are susceptible to
mongooses, rats, and cats. Exclosures and predator control (during nesting season) have helped to
maintain the Refuge population.
During the breeding season, nēnē feed mainly on berries and other plant items found on lava flows
near their nest sites, although some birds supplement their berry diet by feeding in grasslands,
depending on berry density. During the pre- and non-breeding season, their principal foods are
cultivated grasses (Black et al. 1994). Nēnē select habitats with food plants high in protein. The
presence of standing or flowing water is not necessary for successful breeding, although
observations of nēnē in the lowland coastal regions of Hawai‘i Island and Kaua‘i indicate that when
standing water is present, it is readily utilized for drinking and bathing. Bodies of water may also be
used to escape from predators when goslings have not yet fledged, and when adults molt their
primary flight feathers. Standing water is generally sparse in most nēnē habitats, and water is
obtained primarily from their diet. Nēnē are more terrestrial than most other waterfowl species,
having evolved in habitats with limited freshwater availability.
During the nēnē nesting period (October-April), Service interns monitor nēnē nests and control
predators (mongooses, cats, and rats) near nesting areas. Monitoring of nēnē nests and predator
control would also be expanded to include the new 15-acre breeding site as needed.
Objective 5.3: Investigate and initiate landscape-level habitat conservation measures.
Within 1 year of CCP approval, the Refuge will complete a Land Protection Planning effort in
cooperation with other agencies and interested parties to assess and identify land conservation
priorities in the vicinity of Refuge units. Potential additions or expansion of the Hakalau Forest
NWR and examination of various land protection tools will be explored. Land Protection as part of
the Refuge System may include fee title acquisition, conservation easements, and/or cooperative
agreements.
The plan will provide for conservation of supporting habitats, partnership opportunities, and
opportunities to adapt Refuge management to impacts from global climate change.
Strategies to achieve objective:
Identify parcels of land that could provide supporting habitat for focal species of the HFU.
Develop strategies for protection and management of supporting habitat.
Work proactively with partners, neighbors, and private landowners where appropriate to meet
conservation goals and develop specific project proposals for land acquisition, cooperative
Chapter 2. Refuge Management Direction 2-32