How many bitterns are there in NZ?

It’s estimated there are less than 1000 birds in New Zealand and a similar number in Australia, where bittern are also found. Bittern has the highest threat status of ‘nationally critical’. As well as habitat loss, the ground-nesting matuku/bittern is vulnerable to predators such as stoats, ferrets and feral cats.

Are bittern native to New Zealand?

Found throughout New Zealand, as well as parts of Australia and New Caledonia. The furthest a New Zealand bittern has travelled to date (2017) was 140 km (a juvenile female in the Canterbury region). Population. Estimates for the New Zealand population were as low as 900 individuals in the 1980s.

What do Australasian bittern eat?

Australasian Bitterns forage mainly at night on a wide range of small animals, including birds, mammals, fish, frogs, yabbies, snails, insects and spiders. Like other herons, these birds use several techniques to capture prey, including: standing and waiting, slow stalking, and active pursuit.

Why is the Australasian bittern endangered?

Drainage of wetlands and alteration of natural flow regimes can result in the loss of breeding habitat and nest sites of the Australasian Bittern as well as depletion of their food supply and foraging habitat. Grazing and burning of wetland habitats may also threaten the Australasian Bittern.

Is the Matuku an endangered bird in New Zealand?

The endangered matuku inhabits wetlands throughout New Zealand. DOC is focusing on developing methods for surveying bittern systematically and for restoring wetlands . 02:00 – Booming call.

Where is the Matuku link in West Auckland?

Matuku Link is 37 hectares of wetland and native bush located at 111 Bethells Road, Te Henga, West Auckland. It is located at the head of the Te Henga Wetland, the largest wetland in the Auckland region.

Why are Matuku important to the New Zealand Maori?

Our bird songs can be reused, even commercially, according to our copyright terms. Matuku are important to Māori. They appear in language as part of legends, stories, early pictures and metaphor and there are numerous place names referring to them. They were important for food and their feathers were used for ceremonial decoration.

What to do if you see a Matuku bird?

Report all sightings or booming calls of matuku to your nearest DOC office. Call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) immediately if you see anyone catching, harming or killing native wildlife. Check for pests when visiting pest-free islands. Leave nesting birds alone.