South Island Kokako

The Mysterious Case of the South Island Kōkako: Extinct or Still Out There?

An Ancient and Elusive Bird

The South Island kōkako, a large blue-grey bird with orange wattles, was once a common sight in the forests of New Zealand. However, in the early 20th century, its population began to decline rapidly. By the 1960s, it was considered critically endangered, and in 1967, it was declared extinct.

A Glimmer of Hope

In 2006, a group of hikers reported seeing a bird that matched the description of the South Island kōkako. This sighting sparked hope that the bird might still be alive. Since then, there have been several other unconfirmed sightings, but no concrete evidence has been found.

Data Deficient

In 2013, the South Island kōkako was reclassified as data deficient. This means that there is not enough information to determine its current status. It is possible that the bird is still extinct, but it is also possible that a small population may still be surviving in the remote forests of New Zealand.

The Search Continues

The South Island Kōkako Trust is offering a reward of $10,000 for information leading to confirmation that the bird is still alive. The Trust is also working with the Department of Conservation to conduct surveys and research in an effort to find the elusive kōkako.

A Symbol of Hope

The South Island kōkako is a symbol of the importance of conservation. Its disappearance would be a tragic loss for New Zealand's biodiversity. The search for the kōkako is a reminder that even when a species is declared extinct, there is always hope that it may still be out there.