Goose (Hawaiian Nene)
Branta
Sandvicensis
Photographed in the wild,
Mauna Loa hillside, Big Island Hawaii Mar 2014
Hawaiian
geese are found only in the Hawaiian Islands and are the only species of goose
not occurring naturally in continental areas. They are among the most isolated,
sedentary and threatened of all waterfowl and the rarest of all geese. It is
the sixth most endangered waterfowl species worldwide.
Believed
to be a descendant of the Canadian goose that has adapted to the islands of
Hawaii. The Nene have different feet from most waterfowl, they have reduced
webbing and very strong toes with padding, an adaptation that allows it to
swiftly travel through its rough terrain such as lava plains.
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