HAWAIIAN GALLINULE (ALAE ULA) Gallinula chloropus sandvicensis (Streets) 



Order: GRUIFORMES Family: RALLIDAE 



Distinguishing characteristics : A grayish marsh bird with brown back, greenish-yellow, 

 red-tipped legs, and red bill with yellow tip, white side stripes and white patch under 

 tail. Distinguished from other races of the common gallinule by having more red on the 

 legs. It is much darker and blacker, less bluish gray, and has less white on the under- 

 parts than the North American race . 



Present distribution : Resident only on the islands of Kauai, Molokai, and Oahu in Hawaii. 



Former distribution : All main islands except Lanai and Niihau. 



Status : Greatly decreased from former abundance, particularly on island of Oahu. 

 Most numerous on island of Kauai. 



Estimated numbers : Kauai — mid hundreds; Oahu — low hundreds . 



Breeding rate in the wild : Unknown . 



Reasons for decline: Elimination of fresh water ponds and other wetlands which form 

 its habitat. Predation by mongoose (except Kauai), rats, and feral cats. Illegal hunting. 



Protective measures already taken : Protected by Federal and State Law . National 

 wildlife refuge established at Hanalei, Kauai. Negotiations for other key areas in 

 progress. Booklet which details causes for decline, loss of habitats, brief descriptions 

 and life history, key areas and recommended action program published jointly by Bureau 

 of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife and Hawaii Division of Fish and Game. 



Measures proposed : Preservation of natural environment and continue establishment of 

 needed refuges and sanctuaries. Control predators where needed. Initiate captive 

 propagation program. Reintroduction into former range. Increase patrol and/or law 

 enforcement effort. Initiate ecological and life history research of the species. Sur- 

 veillance for chemical contamination and other such environmental pollution. Continue 

 to publicize critical status and aesthetic and scientific values. Quarantine on all birds, 

 including cage birds brought into the State to prevent introduction of disease. 



Number in captivity : A dozen raised in Honolulu Zoo up to 1972. 



Breeding potential in captivity : Very good. Have been bred successfully in Honolulu 

 Zoo on several occasions. 



References : 



Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife Administrative Reports . 



Hawaii Division of Fish and Game Administrative Reports. 



Schwartz, C. W., and E. R. Schwartz. 1949. A Reconnaissance of the game 



birds in Hawaii. Board of Commissioners of Agriculture and Forestry, 



Territory of Hawaii. 166 pp. 



147 



