Animal control activities targeting feral goats, feral sheep and mouflon/feral sheep hybrids are scheduled for July 1-2 on Hawaiʻi Island.

The DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) will conduct the operations using ground-based and aerial methods.

The federal government mandates these actions to protect the habitat of the palila, a critically endangered native forest bird with a dwindling wild population. Control efforts will take place within critical palila habitat areas, including:

• Mauna Kea Forest Reserve (Unit A)
• Mauna Kea Ice Age Natural Area Reserve (Unit K)
• Palila Mitigation Lands
• Kaʻohe Game Management Area (Unit G)

During control operations, public access to these areas will be restricted.

Limited access for animal salvage purposes will be allowed by permit only on the following dates and times:

• Tuesday, July 1 – Access begins at 6 a.m.
• Wednesday, July 2 – Access begins at 7 a.m.

For detailed information on control activities, schedules, salvage permit applications and access conditions, visit the DOFAW website or contact the Hilo DOFAW office at 808-974-4221

 

Photo credit: DLNR