Illustration by Julian Hume

In the foreground is the nene, or Hawaiian goose (Branta sandvicensis). The Nene-nui, or greater nene (Branta hylobadistes), is at center and the Giant Hawaii goose (an undescribed species) is at the back. The nene is an endangered species; the other two species are extinct and known only from fossils. All three evolved in the Hawaiian Islands from an ancestor much like the modern Canada goose.

This species was described from bones found at Barbers Point, Oahu. It is similar to the new species, Branta hylobadistes which was described from fossils found at Auwahi cave on Maui.The scientific name means woods-walker in Greek , a reference to this species former abundance in forested areas and its dependence on foot power because of its reduced flight capabilities. It was larger and more robust then the Nene, Branta sandvicensis.

Please do what you can to save the native Hawaiian forest bird species that remain.

Aloha,
Michael Walther