The Nature Conservancy of Hawai'i plans to construct a 108-acre fence to protect the habitat of rare and endangered species in central Kalua'a Gulch in its Honouliuli Preserve, located in the southern Wai'anae Mountains. The fence will protect wild or reintroduced populations of 1 endangered bird, 24 endangered plants or plant species of concern, and 10 rare snails and insects. Some of the native plant and animal species to be protected are found nowhere else on Earth and are threatened by the destructive activities of feral pigs and goats.

Feral pigs and goats pose a serious threat to rare plant and animal populations in Honouliuli Preserve. Pigs and goats damage the forest, promote the spread of invasive plant seeds, and contribute to soil erosion, all which negatively impact the health of Oahu’s watersheds.

The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service is providing funding to support the fence project through its Endangered Species Act Landowner Incentive Program. Fence construction is scheduled to take place from June to December of 2001. A contractor, Conservancy staff, and volunteers will construct the fence. Fenceline clearing is ongoing and will continue through July. The Nature Conservancy of Hawai'i is seeking volunteers to help in all aspects of the project.

Honouliuli Preserve is home to more than 70 rare and endangered plant and animal species and provides some of the last remaining habitat in the southern Wai'anae Mountains for native forest birds, tree snails, and plants. The 3,692-acre preserve is owned by the Estate of James Campbell and is managed by The Nature Conservancy under a long-term lease agreement.

The Nature Conservancy of Hawai'i is a local chapter of an international, non-profit, conservation organization dedicated to protecting plants, animals, and natural communities by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. Since 1980, the Conservancy has helped to protect more than 198,000 acres in Hawai'i.

For more information about this project, or to volunteer, contact The Nature Conservancy of Hawai'i at (808) 621-2008.