In 2022, Kauai completed the longest predator exclusion fence in the Pacific, enclosing 168 acres of vital seabird nesting habitat. This innovative barrier protects endangered species from invasive mammals, allowing seabirds to safely return and raise chicks in once-threatened sites.
- 11,200-foot fence encircles 168 acres of nesting habitat
- Protects endangered seabirds from feral cats, pigs, and rats
- Inspired by a successful design first developed in New Zealand
What happened
In 2022, Kauai saw the completion of the longest predator exclusion fence in the Pacific region, a remarkable conservation effort designed to shield seabird nesting areas from invasive predators like feral cats, pigs, and rats. The fence surrounds 168 acres of vital seabird nesting habitat, including locations at Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge and the hills of Nihokū and Mokolea Point. These areas are prime nesting grounds for multiple endangered species, including Newell’s shearwater, Hawaiian petrel, and the Critically Endangered Hawaiian hoary bat and Hawaiian goose (nēnē).
The fence’s design is specifically tailored to block a variety of invasive mammals. It is over 11,000 feet long, high enough to prevent cats and foxes from jumping over, topped with slick hoods to deter climbing, and features underground barriers to stop animals from digging beneath it. The sturdy metal mesh is fine enough to keep out rats and impossible for predators to chew through. This $1.7 million investment aims to create a protected sanctuary where seabirds can nest and thrive safely.
Why it feels good
Bird populations that once faced near-constant threats from hungry invasive animals are now able to follow their natural instincts and successfully build nests close to historic sites that had become deadly. Four years after the fence’s completion, signs of recovery are clear, presenting a hopeful picture for species that were on the brink. A similar fence on nearby Oahu resulted in a fourfold increase in Newell’s shearwater chicks, underscoring the fence’s effectiveness.
The fence not only protects the birds but also supports the ecological balance of the region by preserving native species. The chosen locations benefit from minimal artificial light pollution and absence of powerline collisions, providing ideal conditions for seabirds that navigate by night skies. This thoughtful effort exemplifies how targeted human intervention can help reverse the damage caused by invasive species and foster thriving natural habitats.
What to enjoy or watch next
Visitors and bird enthusiasts can look forward to seeing growing numbers of seabirds returning safely to Kauai’s protected nesting grounds. Watching the chicks of species like the red-footed booby, great frigatebird, and Laysan albatross hatch and take flight represents a powerful symbol of successful conservation. Continued monitoring and support will be key to maintaining this sanctuary and expanding protection efforts.
Looking ahead, conservationists hope to replicate the success seen on Kauai in other vulnerable habitats across the Pacific. Until comprehensive predator control is possible island-wide, fences such as this one will remain critical tools to protect native wildlife and sustain Hawaii’s unique biodiversity for future generations.