In a sorrowful incident at Liliʻuokalani Park and Gardens, a male nēnē goose, known by its band number 595, was the victim of a hit and run, early yesterday morning. The Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW), part of the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), recovered the bird shortly after being notified of the tragedy. Authorities are now urging witnesses to come forward, as the DOFAW intends to test the deceased nēnē for toxoplasmosis, a serious disease typically transmitted by feral cats, according to DLNR News Release.
Raymond McGuire, a DOFAW Wildlife Biologist, highlighted the grave consequences of human interference in the park's ecosystem. "Since people have been regularly feeding nēnē in the park for many months now, they’ve grown accustomed to humans (habituated). This is a primary reason we’ve pleaded with folks to stop feeding feral cats. Yet even after one woman was cited earlier this year, regular feeding is continuing," McGuire explained in the DLNR release. The broken bonds of the goose’s family speak to the pernicious nature of such human activities, with nēnē's typically forming lifelong breeding partnerships.
The partner of the killed nēnē, identified by her band number NTC, has endured multiple losses extending beyond her mate. Their offspring faced dire fates with one dying from suspected toxoplasmosis earlier in the season and another, affectionately named Onion and banded as NYN, experiencing abduction and subsequent release. McGuire further detailed the family's tragedies, saying on DLNR, "In this case NTC had one offspring bird-napped, one apparently felled by a disease spread by feral cats and at least one partner killed."
The DLNR's Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) is conducting a thorough investigation. They appeal to the public for any information about vehicles in the park early on the incident morning or for the responsible individual to come forward. Nēnē are known to cross roads within the park, drawn to areas where individuals illegally feed cats. "Anyone caught placing plates of food that nēnē can eat can be cited and face criminal prosecution," the DLNR release stated. Witnesses can report anonymously to DOCARE at 643-DLNR or through the DLNRTip app. The DOCARE Branch Office in Hilo can also be reached at 808-933-3460 for tips on the case.
