Thought extinct until its rediscovery by David Crockett in 1979, the Chatham Island Taiko or Magenta petrel are extremely rare and only
occur in the Tuku Nature Reserve on Chatham Island.
Cats, rats, and pigs have contributed to their decline and the population now stands at around 15 breeding pairs. to which access is
restricted. Burrow management and predator control has improved the survival of taiko chicks and efforts are still given to searching the thick forest for more taiko burrows.
Given the very small population and critically endangered
status of the species it is not possible for the public to see them - access to the Tuku Nature Reserve is by special permit only.
For more information contact the Department of Conservation or visit www.taiko.org.nz. |
Chatham Island taiko
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