A group of 100 tīeke, or South Island saddlebacks, has been relocated to Orokonui Ecosanctuary near Dunedin in an effort to restore their population on the South Island.
Once widespread, these native birds faced near extinction in the 20th century, with their habitat reduced to three small islands near Stewart Island.
The tīeke population suffered a major setback in the 1960s when rats accidentally arrived on Big South Cape Island, spreading to other nearby habitats. Conservationists acted quickly to save the species, relocating the remaining birds to predator-free islands. Today, over 2,000 tīeke are descended from those survivors.
Lyn Carter, a member of Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka Ki Puketeraki, described the birds’ excitement during their release into the sanctuary. “They just seemed so pleased to be in a habitat they’re familiar with,” she said. This marks the first successful return of tīeke to the South Island after a failed translocation attempt 10 years ago due to a stoat invasion.
To help the birds settle, the wings of 25 tīeke were clipped, limiting their ability to fly long distances while still allowing them to explore their new environment. Operations manager Elton Smith called the project an emotional “full circle” moment, as Orokonui Ecosanctuary is now the only place on the mainland where these birds can be seen and heard.
