Historically, the Hawaiian avifauna includes six waterbird
species, five of which are typically found in and around fresh-,
brackish-, and saltwater impoundments and estuaries (Engilis
and Pratt 1993). The sixth species, the nene or Hawaiian goose
(Branta sandvicensis), though occasionally found around water,
most typically occurs in upland sites.
Continued loss of habitat and predation are the two biggest
threats to the remaining Hawaiian waterbirds. Although the
Hawaiian coastal zone formerly contained many large wetland
areas, few remain. For example, the resort area known as Waikiki
Beach was an extensive wetland that was drained in the early
1900's. Because introduced predators are a major threat to
waterbirds in Hawaii, predator control has become essential
in all waterbird-management programs.
