Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 10, Number 6, 1 Iune 1993 — Book review [ARTICLE]

Book review

"Nēnē," the native goose, still needs protection

"Nēnē," a new book by Marion Coste, is a good way to introduce upper-elementary and intermediate school-age children to the life of the Hawaiian goose, and the concept of an endangered animal. The nēnē is Hawai'i's state bird. This educational book and its environmental protection message are dedicated "to the ehildren of Hawaii, who hold the future of the islands in their hands and hearts." Warmly illustrated with watercolor drawings by Cissy Gray, "Nēnē" is divided in two sections. The first part describes the life cycle of a nēnē family soon after the autumn birth of chicks, their environment amid the lava fields, their diet of berries and grasses, their daily life, and the dangers they face from predators as the young chicks grow to maturity. It also explains, simply, how life changed for the nēnē when humans eame to the Hawaiian islands. The author explains how the nēnē, having evolved in a land where the only predators

were native hawks and owls, were easy prey for humans, mongooses and other animals that liked to eat the nēnē eggs and goslings. Changes to the land wiped out their nesting and feeding grounds. Soon there were very few nēnē left. Protecting the nēnē has helped them regain their numbers, though they are still considered endangered. The second half of the book is devoted to factual information about the nēnē — its appearance, habitat, food, nesting and breeding habits, care for its young, self-defense, adaptation from the Canada goose, population and the status of a nēnē restoration program in Hawai'i. A glossary explains Hawaiian, botanical, and scientific terms such as adaptation, habitat and incubation. "Nēnē" is published by University of Hawai'i Press in hardback edition, price: $9.95, and is available at loeal bookstores, or by mail order through the Press at 2840 Kolowalu St, Honolulu, Hawai'i 96822. Phone (808) 956-8697.