Saving Hawaii's Forests: The Battle Against Feral Animals

Later this month, crews will be heading up Mauna Kea once again, not for recreation, but for protection. On August 27–28, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will carry out animal control operations to help save one of Hawaiʻi’s rarest forest birds: the palila.

Why It Matters? Feral goats, sheep, and mouflon might not sound like a big deal at first, but on the slopes of Mauna Kea they’ve been changing the land for generations. These animals were brought here long ago and, with no natural predators, their numbers grew quickly. Today, they eat through native forests that our endangered species depend on to survive.

The palila is one of those species. This small honeycreeper lives only on the upper slopes of Mauna Kea and feeds mainly on the seeds of the māmane tree. When herds strip the forest bare, the māmane disappears, and so does the palila’s chance at survival. This isn’t just about one bird, though. In Hawaiian culture, each plant, bird, and stone has its place in the balance of the ʻāina. When one disappears, the whole system suffers.

How the Work Will Be Done? DLNR’s Division of Forestry and Wildlife will use both ground crews and helicopters to bring herd numbers down. It’s tough work, and not everyone agrees with it, but it’s required by federal law to protect the palila’s habitat. Hunting is already open year-round with no bag limits for these animals, and while hunters play an important role, it hasn’t been enough to stop the damage.

Looking Ahead! This kind of work is never easy. Hawaiʻi has a long tradition of hunting and gathering, but we also have a kuleana (responsibility) to care for the ʻāina and the creatures that live here. The palila is more than an endangered bird, it’s a part of Mauna Kea’s identity, a reminder of how connected we are to the land.

Every action taken on the mountain isn’t just about numbers or management. It’s about aloha ʻāina, loving and protecting the land so that future generations can still hear the call of the palila in the high forests of Mauna Kea.

Source: Big Island Now