North Island Kokako: Difference between revisions
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It is listed as an [[endangered species]]. |
It is listed as an [[endangered species]]. |
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The North Island kokako has blue wattles, while the South Island kokako had orange or yellow wattles. However, the South Island kokako is now assumed to be extinct, though it is possible isolated birds remain on Stewart Island |
The North Island kokako has blue wattles, while the South Island kokako had orange or yellow wattles. However, the South Island kokako is now assumed to be extinct, though it is possible isolated birds remain on Stewart Island or Fiordland - [http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3618880a7693,00.html] |
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The North Island kokako is mainly found on protected offshore islands, with some of its population of around 1400 (615 known breeding pairs) found in the Urewera National Park and other mature hardwood forests. Recently, 20 kokako from Urewera were translocated to Ngapukeriki, a forest area of intensive predator control. |
The North Island kokako is mainly found on protected offshore islands, with some of its population of around 1400 (615 known breeding pairs) found in the Urewera National Park and other mature hardwood forests. Recently, 20 kokako from Urewera were translocated to Ngapukeriki, a forest area of intensive predator control. |
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The introduction of non-native predators such as possums, rats and mice have decimated the kokako population, and in recent years |
The introduction of non-native predators such as possums, stoats, cats, rats and mice have decimated the kokako population, and in recent years its numbers have declined markedly, though intensive management [http://www.doc.govt.nz/Conservation/001~Plants-and-Animals/001~Native-Animals/Kokako.asp] is lifting kokako numbers now. Captive breeding is combined with research and translocations of breeding pairs to islands free of introduced predators. |
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The kokako has a beautiful, clear song which can carry for miles. Breeding pairs will sing together in a bell-like duet for up to an hour in the morning. They truly have Te Koha Waiata - the gift of song. |
The kokako has a beautiful, clear song which can carry for miles. Breeding pairs will sing together in a bell-like duet for up to an hour in the morning. They truly have Te Koha Waiata - the gift of song. |
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[[Category:Passeriformes]] |
[[Category:Passeriformes]] |
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[[Category:Birds of New Zealand]] |
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[[Category:Endangered species]] |
[[Category:Endangered species]] |
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Revision as of 11:37, 3 May 2006
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| North Island Kokado | |
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| Scientific classification | |
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| Subspecies: | C. c. wilsoni
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| Trinomial name | |
| Callaeas cinerea wilsoni | |
The North Island Kokako (Callaeas cinerea wilsoni) is an endemic bird found in the North Island of New Zealand. it is a subspecies of the Kokako.
It is listed as an endangered species.
The North Island kokako has blue wattles, while the South Island kokako had orange or yellow wattles. However, the South Island kokako is now assumed to be extinct, though it is possible isolated birds remain on Stewart Island or Fiordland - [1]
The North Island kokako is mainly found on protected offshore islands, with some of its population of around 1400 (615 known breeding pairs) found in the Urewera National Park and other mature hardwood forests. Recently, 20 kokako from Urewera were translocated to Ngapukeriki, a forest area of intensive predator control.
The introduction of non-native predators such as possums, stoats, cats, rats and mice have decimated the kokako population, and in recent years its numbers have declined markedly, though intensive management [2] is lifting kokako numbers now. Captive breeding is combined with research and translocations of breeding pairs to islands free of introduced predators.
The kokako has a beautiful, clear song which can carry for miles. Breeding pairs will sing together in a bell-like duet for up to an hour in the morning. They truly have Te Koha Waiata - the gift of song.
The kokako can fly, but prefers to hop and leap from branch to branch on its powerful grey legs.
Their diet consists of leaves, fern-fronds, flowers, fruit and invertebrates.
Maori myth refers to the kokako in several stories, notably when the kokako gave Maui water as he fought the sun. The kokako filled its plump wattles with water and offered it to Maui to quench his thirst. Maui rewarded the kokako for its kindness by stretching its legs until they were lean, long and strong, so kokako could easily leap through the forest to find food.