Takahe Bird : Large Flightless Bird
A large flightless bird named ‘Takahe’, believed to be extinct decades ago, has returned to the forests of New Zealand’s South Island.
- Takahe Bird is hailed as one of the world’s rarest creatures native to New Zealand.
- They have been an intrinsic part of New Zealand’s ecosystem since the prehistoric Pleistocene era, as evidenced by fossil remains.
- Their population nosedived during the late 1800s when European settlers came along with their animal companions— stoats, cats, ferrets and rats.
- The birds had been formally declared extinct in 1898. It was rediscovered in 1948 in several remote valleys on New Zealand’s South Island, and their numbers have been steadily growing since then.
- They are large, stout birds with vibrant plumage.
- They have predominantly blue feathers on their bodies, green wings, and a large red beak.
- Their legs are pink, and they have a white undertail.
- They grow up to the size of a large hen and can weigh as much as 3kg.
- They breed only once a year, raising one to two chicks.
- They live up to 18 years in the wild and 22 years in sanctuaries.
- They live on a high-fibre diet of starchy leaves and seeds.
