Sheep of Mauna Kea – Yesterday, Today. . . Tomorrow?

Throughout history, humans have altered their environment, and the results have been good or bad, depending on individual perspective. In many instances, the resulting change is mixed: a desired change resulting in undesirable consequences unforeseen. The introduction of cattle in Hawai‘i, for instance, has provided a food resource enjoyed by many. But it also changed the surrounding landscape in a profound manner, adversely affecting the flora and fauna that once existed. This, too, was the case with sheep.

Sheep were first brought to Hawai‘i island by Capt. George Vancouver in 1793, and herds were well established on Mauna Kea by 1822. Hunting and ranching of cattle and sheep were the primary historic activities on the mountain lands. It was realized as early as 1921 that feral sheep () were adversely impacting the native forest. Between 1921 and 1946, more than 45,000 feral sheep were killed pursuant to programs initiated by the territorial government. By 1949, only 500 sheep remained on Mauna Kea.