The kererū is a large bird with iridescent green and bronze feathers on its head and a smart white vest. The noisy beat of its wings is a distinctive sound in our forests.
NEW ZEALAND'S TWO NATIVE PIGEON SPECIES
New Zealand pigeon (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) — known as kererū, or in Northland as kūkū or kūkupa. Kererū can measure up to 51 cm from tail to beak, and weigh about 650g.
Chatham Islands pigeon (Hemiphaga chathamensis) — or parea. Around 20% heavier than kererū.
While kererū are not threatened, parea are considered nationally vulnerable.
IMPORTANT SEED DISPERSERS
Since the extinction of the moa, the kererū and parea are the only bird species big enough to swallow large fruit — such as those of karaka, miro, tawa and taraire — and disperse the seed over long distances. The disappearance of these birds could be a disaster for the regeneration of our native forests.
THREATS
Nationally the kererū population is considered stable but gradually declining in areas where predation and illegal hunting are unchecked. The most serious threats come from predators: rats, stoats, cats and possums eat their eggs and young. Forest clearance and poaching are also threats.
In Northland, the kūkupa is in danger of becoming locally extinct through the combined effects of predation, competition and continued hunting. Work continues with local iwi to help stop illegal poaching by educating young Māori about the effect on the birds' survival rate.
The Department of Conservation carries out large-scale pest control operations. By controlling rats and possums, kererū populations can increase by 50 percent in two years.