Facts

• The takahe is only found in New Zealand, which means it is endemic to New Zealand.
• It is an endangered species
• Another Maori name for the takahe is ‘moho’
• The takahe is an 'old' New Zealander, descended from the Australian pukeko-like ancestor. The takahe became big and flightless and slow breeding in New Zealand. Its relation, the present pukeko only arrived from Australia a few thousand years ago.
• In 1847 the takahe was given the scientific name ‘Notornis mantelli' after the scientist Walter Mantell, who discovered takahe bones in the North Island. However the takahe is now recognised in the same grouping as the pukeko, so its scientific name changed to'Porphyrio mantelli hochstetteri'.
• Takahe have lived to be over 20 years old in captivity, but few wild birds reach this age
• Takahe are related to the pukeko (another native New Zealand bird)
• Takahe wings are not used for flying, but they are used during courtship and to show aggression
• It is the largest living member of the rail family of birds
• Once found in both the North and South Islands, takahe now only live in the wild in the Murchison and Stuart Mountains in Fiordland National Park.
• Small numbers of takahe have been relocated to four offshore islands - Maud, Mana, Kapiti and Tiritiri Matangi
• Takahe Valley in Fiordland National Park was named after the takahe
• In 1953 a 500 kilometre square area within Fiordland National Park was set aside especially for takahe conservation
• Fiordland National Park was set up in the same year Dr Orbell rediscovered the takahe -