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Ecology and management of the Black Stilt Himantopus novaezelandiae

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2010

R. J. Pierce
Affiliation:
Department of Conservation, PO Box 842, Whangarei, New Zealan
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Summary

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New Zealand's endangered Black Stilt Himantopus novaezelandiae is confined largely to South Island's upper Waitaki River Basin, where it breeds on braided riverbeds and associated wetlands. It is under pressure from nest predators (particularly introduced carnivorous mammals), habitat loss and hybridization with the Pied Stilt H. himantopus leucocephalus. Management focuses on localized predator control, habitat enhancement, egg manipulation and cross-fostering, and more recently captive breeding and release. Future management may be extended to establish an island population.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Birdlife International 1996

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