The serene valley of Lake Whakatipu Waimāori in New Zealand's South Island recently witnessed a significant conservation victory. Eighteen Takahē birds, a species once presumed extinct, were reintroduced into the wild. This event not only marks a milestone for conservationists but also represents a victory for the native Ngāi Tahu tribe, the landowners.
The Takahē, a large flightless bird standing around fifty centimeters tall, is a unique species. Having evolved without any native land mammals around, its existence in Aotearoa, the Māori name for New Zealand, traces back to the prehistoric Pleistocene era. However, the late 19th-century influx of European settlers along with their animal companions such as stoats, cats, ferrets, and rats, led to the Takahē being declared extinct in 1898.
The narrative of the Takahē took an unexpected turn in 1948 when the species was rediscovered. Since then, a steady increase in their population has been observed, attributed to rigorous conservation efforts including egg collection and incubation, chick nurturing, and controlled environment breeding. Presently, the Takahē population stands at around five hundred, growing at a rate of about eight percent annually.
The Department of Conservation (DOC), led by Deidre Vercoe, has been instrumental in this revival. The DOC has carefully reintroduced the birds to select island sanctuaries and national parks, while also setting up traps and eliminating pests threatening their survival. This aligns with New Zealand's countrywide mission to eradicate its most destructive invasive predators, such as rats, possums, and stoats, by 2050.
Following the successful reintroduction of the kiwi, another iconic New Zealand bird, into natural spaces on the outskirts of urban areas last year, the Takahē is now treading a similar path. Future plans include the release of an additional seven birds in October, and up to ten young Takahē birds in the early part of next year.
The Takahē's reintroduction holds immense importance for the Ngāi Tahu tribe. The tribe’s long legal battle for the return of their lands coincided with the decline of the wild Takahē population. The Māori people named the mountain tops Kā Whenua Roimata, or the Lands of Tears, symbolising their loss. Tā Tipene O’Regan, an 87-year-old Ngāi Tahu elder, had the honor of releasing the 18 takahē in the Lake Whakatipu Waimāori valley, describing the event as "closing a very long circle".
The return of the Takahē to the South Island's alpine slopes is a powerful testament to conservation efforts and nature's resilience. It's a story of hope and perseverance, of a species resurrected from the brink of extinction, and a tribe reclaiming its heritage. This event underscores the importance of protecting our natural world and its many wonders, providing hope that with effort and dedication, we can reverse the damage done and pave the way for a more sustainable future.
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