Largest fence in the nation will be constructed at Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary
According to Pono Pacific, the fence will provide a safe nesting habitat for native and endangered birds from predators, the key to protecting this wetland. The Department of Land and Natural Resources has hired Pono Pacific Management to install a predator-exclusion fence over 14,000 feet long at the Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary on Maui. The fish enclosure will provide a safe nesting habitat for native and endangered birds, and will protect other Hawaiian wetlands from development and invasive species. The fence will be made out of rust-resistant material and will prevent predators from harming the wetland. It will be celebrated on World Wetlands Day on February 2.
Published : 3 months ago by Emily Cervantes in Science
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The Department of Land and Natural Resources hired Pono Pacific Management to install a predator-exclusion fence over 14,000 feet long at the Kanaha Pond Wildlife Sanctuary on Maui.
The fresh water pond was prehistorically a true wetland, and now acts as both a flood control basin and wildlife sanctuary.
Officials said protecting Kanaha Pond is crucial as other Hawaiian wetlands have been developed and exposed to pollution and invasive species.
Kanaha Pond is a large and important haven for Hawaiian wildlife, especially Hawaii waterbirds. The pond is home to many endangered birds and migratory bird species.
Birds such as the Hawaiian stilt, koloa ducks, black-crown night herons, nene and Hawaiian coots feed in the pond.
According to Pono Pacific, the fence will provide a safe nesting habitat for native and endangered birds from predators, the key to protecting this wetland.
It will be made out of rust-resistant material that will keep predators such as deer, cats, dogs and rats out of the sanctuary and prevent them from harming the wetland.
“Pono Pacific has been fortunate to have installed predator exclusion fences across the state, in a variety of habitats to protect native, migratory, and endangered species,” Pono Pacific Director of Operations Gerry Kahookano explained.
“With such an accessible site as Kanaha, we encourage the community to learn about and appreciate the wildlife populations here, some found nowhere else in the world,” Kahookano said.
The Kanaha Pond will be celebrated on World Wetlands Day on Feb. 2.
Topics: Wildlife