Adult black stilts in the wild have reached their highest number since a Department of Conservation programme was launched two decades ago to save the birds from extinction.
DoC's black stilt scientist, Richard Maloney, of Twizel, said there were now 67 adults in the wild.
A year ago there were 47
and a year before 39, which indicated the population of black stilts - also known by the Maori name, kaki - was "definitely on the increase".
In the 1980s the adult population fell to 23.
Mr Maloney said the increases were due to large releases of young birds raised in captivity. "Over the past few years we have collected every kaki egg possible, raised the chicks in captivity and later released them into the wild."
The aim was to boost the wild population quickly to reduce the risk of extinction.
Although that approach was successful, Mr Maloney said DoC did not intend to continue with it indefinitely.
"Captive management is integral to the recovery programme, but we don't see it as a long-term solution.
"We're continuing to look at better ways to control predators and improve nesting success so the wild population will ultimately be self-sustaining."
- NZPA
Herald Feature: Conservation and Environment
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