Takahe

The Takahe is the world's largest Rail.  A Rail is an order of birds.  The Takahe is closely related to the Pukeko, which is another New Zealand Rail.  It is rare and endangered due to the introduction of predators, such as Stoats and Possums.  It was thought to be extinct until it was discovered in 1948, in a valley of the Murchison Ranges on the South Island.

Takahe at the Ecosanctuary

Takahe can weight up to 3kgs and measure around 63cm in length.  They are territorial and can even attack humans during the breeding season.  We saw this one at the Ecosanctuary near Dunedin.  It looked much bigger in real life.  They live for around 14 to 20 years, which is quite a long time for a bird.

I think they are very cute and glad they are not extinct like many other birds of New Zealand.  I hope one day, that the breeding program is so successful, that they are removed from the endangered list as well.