Voices of Science

The Hawaiian Goose, or nēnē, is the rarest goose in the world. It’s found only in the state of Hawaii. In the 1950’s, the species was on the brink of extinction. With the help of biologists like Kathleen Misajon in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the nēnē population is rebounding.

For generations, night skies have inspired those who choose to look up. They helped the original Polynesian wayfinders find their way across the sea. They inspire the visitors that join night sky programs in national parks. They're also important to sensitive species in the wild. In Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, you can appreciate the stars like nowhere else on the planet. And the park is working hard to keep it that way.

Some of the biggest changes on Hawai’i come from the active volcano on the island. Lava flowing across the island incinerates everything in its path. But lava also creates new land. Land that will eventually support species and habitats found nowhere else on earth.

A noisy little amphibian is causing quite the ruckus on Hawaii Island - the invasive coqui frog. Coming all the way from Puerto Rico, the coqui frog has invaded Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. Coqui threaten the native ecosystems and shatter the natural soundscapes in the park. But The Coquistador is on the case! Biological Resource Technician Kim Dilman works by night, removing frogs from the landscape to protect sensitive areas and preserve the native, natural resources.