Takahe
Porphyrio hochstetteri

The Takahe is one of the iconic New Zealand birds - originally thought to be extinct, they were rediscovered on the South Island after an extensive search in the Murchison Mountains. They are a relative of the Pukeko (Purple Swamphen), although they arrived in New Zealand a considerable time before. Several groups have been moved to off-shore islands in the hope of increasing the population, although the original population still exists in the Murchison Mountains. One problem facing this species is the low fertility rate of the eggs at around 40%.
This particular bird is named Greg and is (of 2010) 18 years old and is one of the most famous of Tiritiri's inhabitants.

 

Takahe

1: Tiritiri Matangi, 14/09/2010.