Rarest Goose

The rarest goose in the world is the nēnē (Hawaiian goose), found only on the Hawaiian Islands. Once critically endangered with a population down to about 30 individuals due to hunting and introduced predators, conservation efforts have helped their numbers recover to a threatened status.

The nēnē is unique because it adapted to live on volcanic landscapes, unlike most geese that live near water. Its feet have evolved with padded toes and reduced webbing for walking on rough terrain.

I was fortunate to see and photograph three nēnēs in Volcano National Park, on the Big Island.