Kōkako
The kōkako (Callaeas cinerea) belongs to the endemic New Zealand wattlebirds, an ancient family that includes the North Island and South Island saddlebacks and the extinct huia. The kōkako feeds on foliage, fruits and invertebrates, and is well known for its beautiful song.
Currently, about 750 pairs of kōkako occur in several isolated populations in the central and northern North Island, mainly in podocarp hardwood forests. The North Island kōkako (C. cinerea wilsoni) is classified as nationally endangered. The South Island kōkako (C. c. cinerea) is classified as extinct.
Although deforestation in the past centuries has resulted in a substantial loss of habitat, possums, rats and stoats are the main threat to kōkako populations at present.
The management of the kōkako is guided by a recovery plan, and recent management of the remaining North island populations have reversed their overall decline. For kōkako populations to increase, possums and rats need to be controlled to low levels.
Current situation
Before human settlement, kōkako were widespread and common. Until 1995, there was a marked decline in kōkako numbers but recent management of the remaining populations has reversed that trend and the national population is increasing.
Kōkako are currently present in 2 per cent of their estimated natural range. Since the 1970s, their range has reduced by 90 per cent.
Change in distribution of the kōkako
Data source: Department of Conservation.
The map above shows the distribution of the kōkako in New Zealand, including its estimated pre-human, 1970s and current (2007) distributions. It shows that the range of the kōkako has contracted, with it now occupying about 2 per cent of its original range.
This information has come from the latest national state of the environment report Environment New Zealand 2007.
Move to the next indicator species, the mōhua.
Last updated: December 2007
