Conservation Timeline
The Journey of Nēnē Recovery
From Near Extinction to Recovery
The story of the Nēnē's recovery is a testament to decades of dedicated conservation efforts. From near extinction in the mid-20th century, with fewer than 30 individuals remaining by 1949, the population has rebounded to over 4,300 birds by 2025 through captive breeding, habitat restoration, and community engagement.
Historical Context
The Nēnē, or Hawaiian goose, was first documented by Westerners in 1778 during Captain Cook's arrival, with an estimated population of around 25,000. However, by the early 20th century, habitat loss, over-harvesting, and introduced predators such as mongooses, feral cats, and pigs had drastically reduced their numbers. By 1949, the population had plummeted to fewer than 30 birds, sparking urgent conservation action.
Conservation Efforts
Early efforts to save the Nēnē began with private initiatives, notably by Herbert Shipman, who started breeding nene at his family’s Keaʻau estate (Hāʻena, Puna) on Hawaiʻi Island in 1918, recognizing the species’ decline. Formal conservation efforts launched in 1949 with the Nēnē Restoration Project, initiated by the State of Hawaii and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Captive breeding programs were established at Pōhakuloa on Hawaii Island and internationally at the Severn Wildfowl Trust in England, building on Shipman’s work. The first, experimental release of captive-bred birds occurred in 1952, with sustained reintroduction beginning in 1960.
Population Milestones
Key milestones in the Nēnē's recovery include its listing as Endangered in 1967 with 279 individuals, the approval of the first federal recovery plan in 1983 with 400-450 birds, and a draft revised recovery plan in 2004 with 1,304 individuals. By 2011, the population reached 1,888-1,978 birds, and in 2019, the Nēnē was downlisted to Threatened with 3,252 individuals. The 2022 estimate was 3,861 birds; the most recent estimate, for 2025, shows about 4,323 birds, the highest statewide count on record, with continued growth on Kaua‘i.
Recovery Planning and Downlisting
2004 Recovery Plan
The 2004 Revised Recovery Plan outlined comprehensive criteria for downlisting the Nēnē from Endangered to Threatened status, which must be maintained for 15 years:
Self-Sustaining Populations
- A minimum of 7 populations must be established, including 2 populations of 500 breeding adults each, 1 population of 300 breeding adults, 2 populations of 250 breeding adults each, and 2 populations of 100 breeding adults each.
- The three largest populations must be on Hawaiʻi, East Maui, and Kauaʻi, while two of the smaller populations must be on East Maui, Molokaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, or Lānaʻi.
- Populations must be stable or increasing without additional releases of captive-bred birds, though habitat management may continue.
Habitat Protection & Management
- Sufficient suitable habitat to sustain the Nēnē at required population levels must be identified, protected, and managed in perpetuity.
- Key habitat types include nesting and rearing habitats, summer flocking habitats, and migration routes, particularly on Hawaiʻi.
2018 Downlisting Criteria and Status
In 2018, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed downlisting the Nēnē from Endangered to Threatened status (Federal Register 83 FR 13919), based on significant recovery progress since the 2004 plan:
Population Achievements
- By 2017, the total Nēnē population exceeded 3,000 individuals across Hawaiʻi, Maui, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, and Oahu, exceeding the 2004 target of 2,000 breeding adults.
- The three largest populations were successfully established on Hawaiʻi, East Maui, and Kauaʻi as required, with additional smaller populations on Molokaʻi and Oahu.
- Populations were stable or increasing without reliance on additional releases of captive-bred birds, though active management continued.
Habitat and Threat Management
- Significant progress in securing nesting, rearing, and migration habitats through partnerships with federal, state, and private landowners.
- Improved management of major threats including predation by introduced species, habitat loss, and human disturbances.
- Enhanced genetic diversity through managed breeding and translocation programs, addressing potential inbreeding risks.
Critical Assessment of Recovery Status
- While Kauaʻi's population has grown dramatically (from 853 in 2014 to over 2,300 in 2023), other island populations are either flat or in decline.
- Hawaiʻi Island's population has declined from 1,273 in 2014 to 1,048 in 2023, while Maui's population has decreased significantly from 863 to 429 in the same period.
- Molokaʻi's population collapsed from 57 in 2014 to just 6 birds by 2021–2023, recovering to about 30 by 2025, while Oahu's small population has disappeared entirely.
- The 2004 Recovery Plan required multiple self-sustaining populations, but current data suggests only Kauaʻi's population is truly self-sustaining.
Path to Delisting
- Populations must remain stable or increasing for an additional 15 years after downlisting (total 30 years), suggesting potential delisting evaluation around 2033.
- Critical habitats across all islands must be permanently protected and managed to ensure long-term sustainability.
- A 5-year post-delisting monitoring plan must be developed to confirm the species' viability without Endangered Species Act protections.
- Given current population trends, delisting criteria may be difficult to achieve without significant improvements on Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, and Molokaʻi.
- The concentration of population growth on a single island (Kauaʻi) creates vulnerability to catastrophic events like hurricanes or disease outbreaks.
Nēnē Conservation Timeline
From near extinction to a conservation success story, explore the key moments in the recovery of Hawaii's state bird, with a population growing from 30 birds in 1952 to over 4,300 by 2025.
First Western Documentation
Nēnē population first recorded during Captain Cook's arrival in Hawaii, with an estimated 25,000 individuals.
Shipman Family Begins Breeding Efforts
Herbert Shipman starts breeding nene at his family’s estate in Hā‘ena, recognizing the species’ decline and laying early groundwork for conservation.
Population Crisis
Dramatic population decline due to habitat loss, over-harvesting, and introduced predators like mongooses and feral cats, reducing the population to fewer than 30 birds by 1949.
Shipman Relocates Nene After Tsunami
After a devastating tsunami wipes out half of his flock, Herbert Shipman moves part of the remaining nene to the family’s ‘Ainahou Ranch in Volcano for safety.
Conservation Begins
Nēnē Restoration Project initiated by the State of Hawaii and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, starting captive breeding at Pōhakuloa as the global population drops below 30 birds.
International Breeding Program with Shipman Contribution
Captive breeding efforts begin at the Severn Wildfowl Trust in Slimbridge, England, bolstered by breeding pairs sent by Herbert Shipman; a wild female is added in 1950–1951 to enhance genetic diversity.
First Experimental Release
30 captive-bred Nēnē released on Hawaii Island in the first, small experimental release. Sustained reintroduction began with the 1960 releases.
Local Breeding Facility and State Bird Designation
Establishment of a propagation facility at Pōhakuloa and designation of the Nēnē as Hawaii's state bird, boosting public awareness.
Maui Reintroduction
Releases begin at Haleakalā National Park, Maui, using birds from Slimbridge and Hawaii Island.
Endangered Listing
Nēnē listed as Endangered under the Endangered Species Preservation Act, with a population of 279 individuals (240 on Hawaii, 39 on Maui).
Predator-Resistant Enclosures
Construction of predator-resistant fenced enclosures in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to protect Nēnē populations.
Predator Identification
Mongooses and feral cats identified as major predators; roadkill becomes a significant concern with increasing vehicle traffic.
Kauaʻi Reintroduction
Releases at Kōpū Kai on Kauaʻi begin with 18 birds, growing to 620 by 2003 as populations disperse across the island.
Propagation Expansion
Keauhou Bird Conservation Center begins operations for propagation across multiple islands.
Formation of NRAG
Nēnē Recovery Action Group (NRAG) forms to coordinate conservation efforts among agencies.
Statewide Database and HEBCP Formalization
Development of a statewide Nēnē database and formalization of the Hawaiian Endangered Bird Conservation Program (HEBCP).
Enhanced Collaboration
NRAG enhances collaboration, with backcountry propagation occurring at Pālīku, Haleakalā National Park.
Safe Harbor Agreements
Finalization of Safe Harbor Agreements with ranches on Molokaʻi and Hawaii, supporting habitat management and releases.
Habitat Expansion
Kauaʻi populations rise to 1,304 individuals across four islands as sugar industry closures create new pastureland habitats.
Breeding Program Success
HEBCP propagation program ends after releasing over 400 Nēnē, with a population of 1,888–1,978 individuals.
Innovation in Protection
"Rescue" pens introduced to improve gosling survival rates in the wild.
Downlisting to Threatened
Nēnē downlisted from Endangered to Threatened under the Endangered Species Act, with a population of 3,252 individuals.
Population Growth
Population reaches 3,861 individuals, with significant growth on Kauaʻi (2,435 birds).
Efforts to Reduce Vehicle Collisions
Implementation of speed limit adjustments and speed tables on Hawaii Island to reduce Nēnē roadkill.
Continued Conservation
Ongoing predator control, habitat management, and community monitoring efforts to sustain recovery. No statewide NRAG estimate was produced this year.
Highest Statewide Count on Record
NRAG statewide estimate reaches about 4,323 nēnē, a new high, led by continued growth on Kauaʻi (2,643 birds).
Current Challenges and Future Directions
Despite significant progress in recovery, the Nēnē still faces several critical challenges:
Ongoing Threats
- Predation by introduced species (mongoose, feral cats, dogs, pigs)
- Vehicle collisions, particularly during breeding season
- Habitat degradation and loss of lowland habitats
- Human disturbance in nesting and rearing areas
Path to Delisting
- Maintain stable or increasing populations for a total of 30 years
- Secure permanent protection for critical habitats across all islands
- Implement effective predator control across all population centers
- Develop a 5-year post-delisting monitoring plan
Recovery does not finish in the field. The next decade of nēnē work depends on community sightings to fill the gaps between formal surveys, and on the small base of people who pay attention when a banded bird shows up somewhere it has not been before. Report what you see. That is most of it.
Data Sources
This timeline is compiled from various sources, including:
- Nene.org Data Timeline
- USFWS Nene Species Document
- USFWS Draft Revised Recovery Plan (2004)
- Nene Research & Conservation Updates
- Wikipedia: Nene (bird)
- W.H. Shipman, Limited History
Additional information was gathered from historical records, scientific publications, and documentation from conservation organizations such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, and the Nēnē Recovery Action Group (NRAG).