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Takahe - The Fight for Survival |
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The Takahe, an iconic bird of New Zealand, was once thought to be extinct until
it was rediscovered in 1948. Since then, a carefully planned management program
has been put in place by the New Zealand Department of Conservation to increase
the size and range of the Takahe population. Habitat restoration was a critical
component of the program, as the introduced species of red deer had a
destructive impact on the natural environment. The red deer were culled to
increase the Takahe's chances of survival.
Captive rearing of wildlife species for release back into the wild is a useful
management tool for endangered species. To assess the success of the program,
monitoring the survival rate of released animals is critical. The survival rate
of captive-reared Takahe was higher compared to the wild population. In the
wild, the survival rate was 30 - 40%, whereas in captivity, it was 85%. Radio
telemetry was used to track the movement and survival of the released Takahe.
The management program also involved fostering single eggs to the pair of
parents, with the second egg systematically collected for artificial incubation
and rearing. The chicks were reared with a suspended model of an adult Takahe
complete with a heated pad and hygienic cloth nest material. The chicks were
unable to see their human keepers, and instead, were fed from a dish of food by
a glove puppet simulating the head and neck of an adult Takahe.
The success of the program can be seen in the current wild population of Takahe,
which stood at 263 in 2013, with the original long-term goal being to establish
a self-sustaining wild population of at least 500 Takahe. While the current
numbers fall short of the target, the program has been successful in increasing
the size and range of the population.
The Takahe program is a prime example of how a carefully planned and executed
management program can make a significant difference in the fight to save
endangered species. Through habitat restoration, captive rearing, and other
measures, the program has helped to increase the population of Takahe and
prevent its extinction. However, the fight for survival is far from over, and
ongoing efforts will be required to ensure the continued survival of this unique
and important bird species.
In conclusion, the Takahe, once thought to be extinct, has been saved through
the implementation of a management program that included habitat restoration,
captive rearing, and careful monitoring of released birds. While the current
population falls short of the long-term goal, the program has been successful in
preventing the extinction of the Takahe and increasing the size and range of the
population. The Takahe program serves as a reminder that we can make a
difference in the fight to save endangered species, and ongoing efforts are
required to ensure their continued survival. |
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