The Takahē Relocation Project

The Takahē Relocation Project: Creating A Sanctuary In The Rees Valley

The Takahē Relocation Project is a significant conservation initiative aimed at reintroducing the takahē, one of New Zealand's most iconic and endangered bird species, to the Rees Valley. This valley, located in the Southern Alps, provides an ideal habitat for the takahē, with its native tussock grasslands offering ample food and shelter.

The project is a collaboration between the Department of Conservation (DOC), Ngāi Tahu, Southern Lake Sanctuary and other conservation partners. It seeks to establish a self-sustaining population of takahē in the wild, reducing the species' reliance on managed environments like sanctuaries and offshore islands.

This project involves multiple stages, including careful selection of release sites, preparation of the environment, and monitoring of the birds post-release. The Rees Valley was chosen for its favourable conditions and relatively low predator presence, making it a safe environment for the birds to thrive.

What are we doing to help?

In August 2023, the takahē was reintroduced to the Greenstone Valley through the collaborative efforts of DOC, Ngāi Tahu, and Fulton Hogan.

Building on this success, we are now looking to facilitate their next stage of recovery by creating a sanctuary in the Rees Valley, ready for their planned introduction in early 2025.

Efforts are being made to create a safe and suitable habitat for the birds. This includes rigorous pest control measures to manage threats such as stoats, feral cats, and rats, which are significant predators of the takahē. Trapping and baiting programs are regularly conducted to keep these predators at bay.

Habitat restoration is another critical component of the project. This involves replanting native vegetation, controlling invasive species, and ensuring that the takahē have access to their natural food sources. The project also includes constructing secure aviaries for breeding and acclimatization before the birds are released into the wild.

Furthermore, ongoing monitoring and research are crucial to the project's success. Researchers track the birds' movements, health, and breeding patterns to ensure they are adapting well to their new environment. This data helps inform future conservation strategies and allows for timely interventions if needed.

Historical impact:

The takahē was once believed to be extinct until a small population was rediscovered in 1948 in the Murchison Mountains of Fiordland. This discovery sparked one of New Zealand's most significant conservation efforts aimed at saving the species from extinction. Historically, the takahē ranged widely across New Zealand, but their numbers declined sharply due to habitat destruction and the introduction of predators like stoats and rats.

Over the years, dedicated conservation programs have helped to increase the takahē population, but they remain critically endangered, with fewer than 500 birds in existence. The Takahē Relocation Project is a critical step in the long-term recovery plan for the species, aiming to establish new wild populations and increase genetic diversity.

By reintroducing takahē to the Rees Valley, the project not only seeks to bolster the species' numbers but also aims to restore a vital part of New Zealand's natural heritage. The success of this project will contribute significantly to the conservation of this unique bird and provide valuable lessons for other endangered species recovery efforts.

How will we make it happen?

To date, the RealNZ Conservation Ball has raised $475,000 for wildlife protection initiatives, supporting species such as the kākāriki karaka, kārearea, and kākāpō, as well as conservation projects in Dusky Sound.

This year, we have selected the takahē as the bird for the RealNZ Conservation Ball 2024, and we are raising funds to create a sanctuary in the Rees Valley which will help aid the relocation of the takahē

We have set an ambitious goal of raising $140,000 to significantly advance this cause & hope we can achieve this goal to ensure the future of the takahē and add their journey in Rees Valley to our legacy of success.

Will you help secure the future of the takahē?

Our Sponsors: