History of the takahe (Porphyrio hochstetteri) showcases a conservation program capable of restoring a species once believed lost. In New Zealand, this flightless bird was widely considered extinct in the 19th century, a judgment that underscored the challenges facing native wildlife recovery.
Found on New Zealand’s South Island, the takahe is known for its bold red beak and striking blue plumage. It has become a powerful symbol for conservationists, representing the dramatic rebirth of a species previously declared extinct in 1898. Today there are more than 440 live individuals, according to the latest data from the New Zealand Department of Conservation, with counts reported through 2021.
Reappearance of the takahe began in 1948 when a team led by the famed naturalist Geoffrey Orbell located the last surviving population. After decades in shadow, wild takahe were again visible in the Fiordland region, specifically in the Murchison Mountains near Lake Te Anau, signaling a turning point for their survival.
Orbell’s discovery spurred a long, dedicated conservation program focused on protecting what remained of the species. Early efforts prioritized predator-free islands, including Te Hoiere, Mana, Kapiti, and Tiritiri Matangi, and the establishment of the Burwood Takahé Centre where eggs are incubated and raised before reintroduction to their natural habitat.
The repopulation effort continued in 2010, with takahe raised by their own parents in this center and other shelters. In 2018 the species was reintroduced to Kahurangi National Park, marking another significant milestone in restoration.
Recovery has never been simple. The takahe faced sharp setbacks, notably in 2007 when a cactus invasion drastically reduced numbers in the Murchison Mountains. Yet the population began to rebound, and by 2016 the species showed steady growth as individuals increased and breeding success improved.
spiritual birds
The takahe holds particular cultural, spiritual, and traditional significance for Ngāi Tahu, the principal Māori iwi of the South Island. The relationship between the tribe and the takahe is intimate; the bird is regarded as a taonga, a treasure, and members of the iwi act as kaitiaki, or guardians, working with the country’s conservation authorities to ensure ongoing protection of the species.
In the wild the takahe typically lives 16 to 18 years, with lifespans extending to 20 or 22 years in sanctuaries. They prefer grassland habitats and move into forested areas during heavy snow, when deep snow cover restricts feeding. Their diet centers on the starch-rich leaves of shrubs and reeds.
………
Notes on ongoing conservation plans emphasize the importance of habitat protection, predator control, and community involvement. The takahe project remains a cornerstone example of how coordinated, long-term effort can recover a species once thought lost to the wild.