The flightless takahē is a unique bird, a conservation icon and a survivor. Good news…. The Wellington (New Zealand ) population of Takahe have doubled….
The flightless takahē (South Island takahē; Porphyrio hochstetteri), is the world’s largest living rail (a family of small-medium sized ground-dwelling birds with short wings, large feet and long toes). The North Island takahē (moho; P. mantelli) is unfortunately extinct.
Takahē have special cultural, spiritual and traditional significance to Ngāi Tahu, the iwi (Māori tribe) of most of New Zealand’s South Island. Ngāi Tahu value takahē as a taonga (treasure) and they continue to act as kaitiaki (guardians) of the takahē by working with DOC to protect this precious species.
The Wellington city population of a rare native bird has doubled this week, with Wellington ecosanctuary Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne welcoming a new pair of takahē on 28 August 2023. There are nearly 500 of these manu/birds left in the world. Their population is managed at a national level by the Department of Conservation’s Takahē Recovery Team working with Ngāi Tahu, and birds are moved around the country to support the health and growth of the population.
More about Takahe at Zealandia
