Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
| Kingdom |
Phylum |
Class |
Order |
Family |
| ANIMALIA |
CHORDATA |
AVES |
COLUMBIFORMES |
COLUMBIDAE |
| Scientific Name: |
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae |
| Species Authority: |
(Gmelin, 1789) |
Common Name/s:
| English |
– |
New Zealand Pigeon |
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Assessment Information
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| Red List Category & Criteria: |
Near Threatened
ver 3.1
|
| Year Published: |
2008 |
| Assessor/s: |
BirdLife International |
| Reviewer/s: |
Mahood, S., Butchart, S. |
Justification:
Introduced predators, hunting and habitat degradation are all taking thier toll on this pigeon which is undergoing a moderately rapid population reduction as a result. It is classified as Near Threatened.
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| History: |
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Geographic Range
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| Range Description: |
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae is a forest pigeon endemic to New Zealand. The nominate subspecies breeds on the North, South and Stewart Islands, and several offshore islands. It is in rapid decline in Northland - a 1993 survey indicated a 50% decline within 14 years6. Studies indicate that declines are occurring elsewhere5. Subspecies chathamensis is only found in the Chatham Islands.
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| Countries: |
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| Range Map: |
Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.
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Population
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| Population: |
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is described as not uncommon (Gibbs et al. 2001).
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| Population Trend: |
Decreasing
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Habitat and Ecology
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| Habitat and Ecology: |
It breeds in native forest, in the non-breeding season birds also utilise exotic plantations and suburban areas.
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| Systems: |
Terrestrial |
| Major Threat(s): |
Introduced predators are the primary cause of decline nationwide, in particular, brush-tailed possum Trichosurus vulpecula, black rat Rattus rattus, stoat Mustela erminea and cats5. T. vulpecula and R. rattus also compete for fruit, reducing the number of breeding attempts, and possibly causing the starvation of adults5. Loss of forest habitat through burning and clearance for farmland, removal of firewood and browsing by herbivores is also a threat8. Birds are illegally hunted for food, particularly in Northland, with perhaps hundreds being shot each year2,7.
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Conservation Actions
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| Conservation Actions: |
Conservation Actions Underway
In some small areas, intensive predator control has seen numbers undergo unprecedented increases, while work on the Chatham Islands has reversed the decline of chathamensis, from 40 individuals in the 1980s to c.200 in 19961.
Conservation Actions Proposed
Regularly monitor to determine population trends. Investigate the extent of hunting by local residents. Control hunting where possible, perhaps using awareness campaigns. Protect significant areas of intact native forest throughout its range. Control introduced predators and competitors at key sites.
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