Black Stilt - Ecology and Conservation

Ecology and Conservation

Despite 20 years of intensive protection, this species remains the rarest wading bird in the world. Intensive management of kaki began in 1981, when the population had declined to just 23 adult birds. The current wild population is estimated at 85 adult birds (February 2010). There is a captive population of some 13 adults. Annual release in the wild of captive-bred birds, and predator control have probably prevented kaki from becoming extinct in the wild. During the breeding season, it is restricted to the Mackenzie basin in the South Island. The majority of kaki will also overwinter in the Mackenzie basin, unlike other waders in the region that migrate to warmer climates for winter.

They breed at 2–3 years of age. They are one of the world's most endangered birds. Drainage and hydroelectric development has in the past disturbed their braided river bed habitat. Predation from mammalian invasive species, most notably mustelids such as stoats, presently poses a serious threat to the survival of the species. The third major threat to this species is hybridization with the local and more numerous Pied Stilt H. himantopus.