Domestic animals like the cats are a threat to Hawaii's wetland birds. Wild cats can come in a variety of colors, such as gray, orange, black, white, etc.

Wild cats live where they please, and that is usually where the most food can be found. In the wetlands, young birds are fairly vulnerable. Cats will prey on the young birds, rats, mice, and other small animals.

Dogs, feral (wild) or tame, are also a threat to Hawaii's waterbirds. A dog's natural instinct is to chase other animals. They will even break a leash for the fun of chasing any bird that crosses their path.

Although birds are usually out of the dog's reach, there are ways dogs can attack birds. Dogs and other animals can walk to small islands in the middle of the lake by stepping carefully across on top of Salvinia molesta.