Hawaiian Coot
VU

Hawaiian Coot

Fulica alai

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaiian_coot

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Hawaiian Coot faces severe habitat loss as wetlands are drained for agriculture and urban development, with over 80% of Hawaii's original wetland habitat destroyed. Introduced predators including cats, dogs, and mongoose prey on eggs and chicks, while non-native fish compete for food resources. Water level fluctuations from human management and periodic droughts further stress remaining populations by exposing nests or flooding breeding areas.

Threat summary

Habitat

Hawaiian Coots inhabit freshwater and brackish wetlands including fishponds, taro fields, reservoirs, and coastal ponds across the Hawaiian Islands. They prefer shallow waters with emergent vegetation for nesting and open areas for foraging on aquatic plants, small fish, and invertebrates.

Other threatened species in Rallidae

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Eurasian cootVU

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Rufous-Necked Wood Rail

Aramides axillaris

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Schlegel's RailVU

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Hawaiian Coot classified as Vulnerable?
Hawaiian Coot is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Hawaiian Coot faces severe habitat loss as wetlands are drained for agriculture and urban development, with over 80% of Hawaii's original wetland habitat destroyed. Introduced predators including cats, dogs, and mongoose prey on eggs and chicks, while non-native fish compete for food resources. Water level fluctuations from human management and periodic droughts further stress remaining populations by exposing nests or flooding breeding areas.
Where does Hawaiian Coot live?
Hawaiian Coot occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Hawaiian Coot?
The main threats to Hawaiian Coot are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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