WELLINGTON - The endangered taiko has had its most successful breeding season and Department of Conservation staff hope it marks a turning point for the world's rarest seabird.
Taiko, found only in the southern forests of Chatham Island, were thought to have been extinct for more than a century until an
amateur ornithologist rediscovered them in 1978.
The world population of taiko is estimated to be between 100 and 150 birds.
For the past two years scientists knew of only two breeding pairs.
The sea-based birds return to land only to breed in burrows where they are vulnerable to rats, cats, pigs, possums and weka.
They fly in and out only during darkness, said a department spokeswoman, Hilary Aikman.
DoC's taiko team had high hopes for a record season this year when they caught 14 birds and located more than 20 new "prebreeding" burrows.
A record six chicks had been born this season, and five had been successfully fledged.
"This is one of the brightest moments for the species and fantastic to know that all six chicks are healthy," Ms Aikman said.
"So far five of them have got out to sea safely in the last few days without getting munched by cats or weka on the way.
"Now we are just holding our breath for the last one to do the same."
The department was also developing a predator-proof fence to secure a safe breeding area for the taiko, as well as continuing a programme of predator eradication.
Ninety-two wild cats have been caught in the taiko breeding area this year already.
- NZPA
