These birds were reintroduced into the Lake Wakatipu valley, an alpine area on the South Island, where they had not been spotted for nearly a century,
The South Island of New Zealand now boasts enormous Takahe birds that were formerly considered to be extinct, according to an article in The Guardian. Takahe were released into the South Island highlands last week in an effort to increase their meager natural population. The reintroduction of these extinct animals into the wild is a significant development for local conservation efforts. According to the Guardian, these birds were reintroduced to the South Island’s Lake Wakatipu basin, an alpine region where they had not been seen in over a century.
According to fossil records, the Takahe, a roughly 50 centimeter-long flightless bird, has been a vital component of New Zealand’s ecology since the Pleistocene epoch. The hefty birds have thick legs, a sharp red beak, and vivid blue and green feathers. They may weigh up to 3 kg and reach a maximum size of a giant hen.
Ngai Tahu resident Tumai Cassidy describes them as “almost prehistoric looking.” Very wide and courageous. Their blue-green feathers and almost spherical bodies give them the appearance of a model of Earth seated on two long, bright red legs when viewed from the front.
The birds nurture one to two offspring every breeding season, according to a BBC investigation. In the wild, they may live up to 18 years, and in sanctuaries, 22 years. They consume seeds and starchy leaves.
According to a media source, Waitaa and Bendigo have joined a takahe pair that already existed. Native birds of New Zealand developed before mammals did, making them susceptible to land predators brought by humans.
“It’s rewarding to now be focusing on establishing more wild populations, but it comes with challenges,” said Doc’s Deidre Vercoe following last week’s release. “After decades of hard work to increase the takahe population, it’s rewarding to now be focusing on more wild populations.”
“Establishing new populations of native wild species can take time, and success is not always certain. We must discover new locations and get as much knowledge as we can to safeguard the birds both now and in the future if we want the takahe to flourish.
