KOKAKO NEWS:

The exciting possibility that South Island kokako are still around has been raised again recently in Fiordland, as the NZ Herald details...

The 2005/2006 breeding season is drawing to a close. Click here to read updates from populations around the North Island.

This season also saw captive breeding successes for birds from the Taranaki and Puketi lineages. Click here for details.

"Te Koha Waiata"   The gift of song.
Kokako are a powerful symbol for the conservation of New Zealand's lush sub-tropical forests. They are unique birds, of mysterious origin, which run, jump and "squirrel" inconspicuously through the high forest canopy, gliding and flying only rarely on their small, soft, wings. When they sing all in the forest stop what they are doing and listen in awe: Te Koha Waiata - the gift of song.

Sadly kokako, and the forests in which they occur, are constantly under attack from alien creatures. About kokako will tell you more the kokako. You can also hear the song to experience something of the beauty and variety of its voice. Threats to kokako survival and how we can manage them are described under conservation. Adaptive research lies at the heart of kokako recovery; discover what we have learnt and what we still need to know.

Kokako recovery requires a long term commitment to management. The New Zealand Department of Conservation has conducted a highly successful programme to establish the causes of decline and to develop management methods. Landcare Research, The Royal New Zealand Forest and Bird Protection Society, community groups and private enthusiasts also play important roles. Discover how you can help to save the kokako.