BellaOnline Forums News and Politics Animal Life The Black robin...

I thought you might enjoy reading about a conservation success down here in the Southern Hemisphere.

In 1980 (when my daughter was two) there were only 5 Black Robins (native to New Zealand) left in the world and today there are approximately 250, this is still not a huge amount but it gives hope for the success of this delightful species.
Here are a couple of links for you to have a look at this pretty little bird,

http://www.pikao.org.nz/Conservation/001~Plants-and-Animals/001~Native-Animals/Black-Robin.asp

http://www.kcc.org.nz/birds/blackrobin.htm

I hope you enjoy the sites. I thought I might post about a few oter NZ natives if you are interested.

xxx, Ruth :beamedup:

Wow, Ruth, I have never even heard of a black robin before!! He sure is a sweet thing. Have you ever seen one in person (so to speak)?

It never ceases to amaze me when I learn about a new bird or animal which exists in one location only, unknown to the rest of the world! I wonder how many other hidden gems there are out there, on the brink of extinction? I am so impressed at the efforts of those people who helped to save and revive this species. :love:

Thanks for bringing this to our attention. I, for one, would love to learn more about the wildlife in your area of the world! I don't know if I'll ever make it down there to visit so all my experience of it will have to be vicariously (or, seeing whatever they bring to our zoos!)

Shelley

Ruth, I have never seen a black robin either. The bird is really very pretty! I also enjoyed reading the articles. I was happy to read that their numbers are coming back up. Thank you for posting these very important articles. What a cool thing you have done by making people aware of their situation. The more that people are aware and understand; the better the chances are for this wonderful bird to survive. Please keep us posted on their progress. Sincerely, moose

Me too! I'd love to learn more. The black robin is a beautiful little bird and I'm really glad it has been brought back. Can you believe it, only one breeding pair left and now there are 250 birds. There is no way to thank the people who did that. :love:

Please post about other wildlife, and the black robin as you find more info! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Ruth, great article!! Thanks so much for posting it. What I never understand is why they name a bird after another bird, even though they're not related!! Doesn't that make for a lot of confusion amongst birders???? It says they like to eat "weta".. Any idea what that is????

Marian

<img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> There's no confusion here among 'birders' because the Black robin is the only robin we have. Weta's are really gorgeous long legged bugs that only live here. I'll try and find some links for you tomorrow evening when I get back from the studio.
The black robin was saved by a lot of hard work by some very dedicated people in Wellington and the Hutt Valley who worked for the conservation department, most of the work was done by volunteers. We are very proud of thier success and I for one am hoping that they continue to grow in strength amd numbers <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

xxx, Ruth :beamedup:

Ruth, what an adorable bird. Thank you for giving us a peak into your world. How lucky for the Black Robin and the rest of the world that someone cared enough to rescue it.

Rose