The comeback bird - Our Changing World
Update: 2025-09-01
Description
Takahē were believed to be extinct not once, but twice. Today their population is just over 500 – still not a huge number, but big enough that new homes are needed for these flightless manu. The latest area to welcome takahē is the upper Whakatipu – in particular, the stunning Rees Valley. But threats remain and keeping on top of predator numbers is key for this comeback bird to survive and thrive in their new home.
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Guests:
- Chrissy Becker-Fifield, Southern Lakes Sanctuary.
- Additional thanks to Glen Greaves of DOC’s takahē recovery programme for background information.
- Also mentioned: the Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust.
Learn more:
- November 2023 marked the 75th anniversary of the second time takahē were ‘rediscovered’. We spoke to Alison Ballance about her book about takahē, and her years of reporting on these birds.
- RNZ reported on DOC’s efforts to catch the stoat culprits that killed a number of takahē in the Greenstone valley.
- After decades of careful monitoring, DOC are stepping back from the Murchison Mountain’s population of takahē.
- Takahē have been spotted by trampers around the Shelter Rock hut deep in the Rees valley.
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