Are we saying goodbye???
The New Zealand Threat Classification (NZTCS) administered by the Department of Conservation (DOC).is a national system used to assess the conservation status of species found in the wild in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
In the Classification System, there are two different categories, Threatened and At- Risk.
The Threatened category includes three conservation statuses:
1. Critical (will become extinct without significant conservation)
2. Endangered (may become extinct without significant conservation)
3. Vulnerable (1000-5000 with a 10-50% population decline)
Yellow Eyed Penguin. Hoiho (Endangered)
The Hoiho is one of the rarest penguins in the world, with only 143 known nests on mainland New Zealand including on Stewart Island.
According to DOC the yellow-eyed penguin could become extinct within two decades.
OPERA: Otago Peninsula Eco Restoration Alliance
Dedicated to the welfare of the Hoiho this rehabilitation centre works with the Department of Conservation, Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust, and the Wildlife Hospital Dunedin. OPERA care for more than half the mainland population of Hoiho each year, . https://theopera.co.nz/
“The time is very short, and the choice is very clear, either we as a society intervene to care for this species, or we face the day soon when the Hoiho will be extinct.”
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/538952/mainland-hoiho-yellow-eyed-penguin-could-be-
Blue Duck Whio, (Endangered)
Whio are found nowhere else in the world and are rarer than some species of kiwi. These ducks live on clean fast flowing water and are found in New Zealand's clean alpine rivers, affectionately known as a "surfing duck". They are facing a risk of becoming extinct. Once widespread, today there are estimated to be less than 3,000 remaining.
The Whio Forever Recovery Programme is a partnership between DOC and Genesis to enhance the survival of Whio nationwide.
https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/whio-forever/
Tongariro River Rafting offers a unique, hands-on NZ eco-adventure helping protect the Whio population while rafting the Tongariro River.
https://trr.co.nz/rafting-adventures/blue-duck-experience/
Orange Fronted Parakeet, kākāriki karaka, (Critical)
The Orange Fronted Parakeet is NZ’s rarest and most endangered parakeet and forest bird species. If not for intensive management and captive breeding, they may have already become extinct. with just 300-350 hundred left in the wild.
DOC and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu lead a recovery programme which is vital to the species’ survival. It’s focused on monitoring and protecting those sites where kākāriki karaka are found, breeding birds in captivity to release into the wild, research, and finding safe new sites where the species can be introduced. https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/nz-parakeet-kakariki/orange-fronted-parakeet/
see also the Pukaha Wildlife Sanctuary, Mount Bruce
https://www.mtbruce.org.nz/kakariki/
https://isaacconservation.org.nz/conservation/fauna/ofp