Southern New Zealand dotterel
 | A request that this article title be changed to Southern New Zealand dotterel is under discussion. Please do not move this article until the discussion is closed. |
| Southern New Zealand dotterel | |
|---|---|
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| Southern NZ Dotterel on its breeding grounds on hills of Tin Range in Stewart Island | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Charadriiformes |
| Family: | Charadriidae |
| Genus: | Charadrius |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: | C. o. obscurus
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| Trinomial name | |
| Charadrius obscurus obscurus Gmelin, 1789
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The southern red-breasted plover or Southern New Zealand Dotterel (Charadrius obscurus obscurus) is a bird endemic to New Zealand, and was once widespread across the South Island, though now it breeds nearly exclusively on Stewart Island.
Taxonomy
Together, the southern red-breasted plover, and its cousin, the northern red-breasted plover, were lumped into one species under the name New Zealand plover. However, studies have shown that there are significant morphological differences to justify the separation of these two subspecies, with the southern subspecies being far more bulkier. Not only that, but different environments on the South Island may have given rise to different features, such as stronger winds necessitating a longer middle toe and claw. There are also significant differences in behavior, with the northern red-breasted plover preferring sandy beaches, while the southern red-breasted plover prefers inland nest sites, wintering on the South Island's beaches.[2] In 2014, this subspecies was split by some taxonomic authorities.[3]
Distribution and Habitat
While it was formerly found throughout the South Island, it is currently restricted to Stewart Island, where it breeds on inland mountain tops, plains, and river valleys.[1][2]
Status
It has been subject to numerous fluctuations. While it was extirpated from the South Island primarily due to introduced species, such as feral cats and stoats, it experienced a brief swell in population size to around 290 birds in 2005, followed by a period of intense decline for unclear reasons, dropping to around 120 individuals. While the cause is unknown, it has been concluded it is not due to a lack of recruitment, but rather some decline of mature birds, as suggested by the sheer drop in population. Consequently, it has been categorized as critically endangered.
References
- ^ a b BirdLife International (2019). "Charadrius obscurus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019. Retrieved 17 June 2019.
{{cite journal}}: Invalid|ref=harv(help) - ^ a b Dowding, John (1994). "Morphometrics and ecology of the New Zealand Dotterel ( Charadrius obscurus ), with a description of a new subspecies". Notornis. 41 (4): 221–233.
- ^ del Hoyo, J.; Collar, N.J.; Christie, D.A.; Elliott, A.; Fishpool, L.D.C. "HBW and BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World. Volume 1: Non-passerines" (PDF). BirdLife. Lynx Edicions BirdLife International. Retrieved 18 June 2019.