Facts about Chatham Island tāiko
Tāiko burrow with Felicity Maxwell
looking on
The Chatham Island tāiko Pterodroma magentae is a petrel endemic to the Chatham Islands, with a population estimated to number less than 150 birds. The tāiko is among New Zealand's most endangered species, considered to be on the brink of extinction.
The tāiko was believed to be extinct for almost a century, until its rediscovery by David Crockett in 1978. Nearly ten years later, in 1987, the first tāiko burrow was discovered in southern Chatham Island.
Today there are 15 known breeding pairs.
Fast facts
- Taiko breed in underground burrows up to 5m in length.
- A single egg is laid each year.
- Taiko first breed at around 5 years of age and may live for more than 30 years.
- Where taiko migrate to over the winter months is unknown.
Contacts
Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) 24 hour emergency number to report:
Sick or injured wildlife
Whale or dolphin strandings