In a crucial effort to safeguard one of the world’s rarest avian species from extinction, two flightless takahe birds were recently set free within a sanctuary in New Zealand.
In a crucial effort to safeguard one of the world’s rarest avian species from extinction, two flightless takahe birds were recently set free within a sanctuary in New Zealand. The release of Waitaa and Bendigo at the Zealandia sanctuary in Wellington marked a significant step forward in the ongoing battle to conserve these remarkable birds.
The event was met with cheers from onlookers as the pair eagerly emerged from their cages, symbolizing hope for the preservation of these unique creatures. Just last week, another 18 takahe were reintroduced into the mountainous regions of South Island as part of a broader strategy to bolster the dwindling wild population.
Once believed extinct due to the predation pressures of introduced species, takahe birds were rediscovered in 1948 within the remote grasslands of the Murchison Mountains on South Island. This discovery prompted conservation initiatives that have seen the takahe population rise to nearly 500 individuals today.
Takahe are easily distinguishable by their robust build, vibrant blue and green plumage, stout legs, and distinctive red beak.
They bear resemblance to pukeko swamp hens but are noticeably plumper. Typically growing to the size of a large hen and weighing up to 3kg, these birds have a limited annual breeding cycle, raising one to two chicks. In the wild, they can live up to 18 years, while those in sanctuaries may reach 22 years. Their diet consists mainly of starchy leaves and seeds.
Waitaa and Bendigo now join a pre-existing takahe pair already established within the Zealandia sanctuary on North Island. The sanctuary is encircled by a predator-exclusion fence, safeguarding these vulnerable birds from introduced predators that have adversely affected New Zealand’s native avifauna.
New Zealand’s indigenous Māori community holds the takahe in high regard, considering them taonga, or treasures, worthy of protection. However, the threats posed by predators such as stoats, ferrets, feral cats, and rats have prompted extensive conservation efforts to mitigate their impact.
Recently, a pioneering release of nine breeding-age takahe pairs at Greenstone Station in the Lake Whakatipu area aimed to establish a third wild population on South Island. This endeavor holds particular cultural and spiritual significance due to the takahe’s deep-rooted connection to the region.
While challenges lie ahead, conservationists remain resolute in their commitment to the survival of the takahe species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources has designated the South Island takahe as endangered, emphasizing the urgency of these conservation efforts. As conservationists explore new sites and expand wild populations, the future of these precious birds hangs in the balance.