Survival status of the takahe, Notornis mantelli, of New Zealand

Abstract

This large flightless rail, once widely distributed in New Zealand, was long thought to be extinct as none was seen, alive or freshly dead, for 50 years until 1948. During the twenty years since rediscovery the situation has apparently improved, so that the total population is now put at nearly 200 pairs. Although birds can kept fairly well in captivity, often for several years on end, and will lay eggs, these last have turned out to be infertile, so that to date there has been no successful breeding in captivity. This, however, may be due to lack of seclusion. Meanwhile the natural habitat is shared with introduced browsing ruminants in large numbers and with predatory stoats, so that extremely careful management is necessary.