Chatham Island black robin
The recovery of the Chatham Islands black robin from the brink of extinction is an internationally renowned conservation success story.
In 1980 there were only five black robins in the world, with just a single breeding pair left. The survival of the species hinged on that last pair. A desperate and innovative management regime was quickly put into action that resulted in a successful population turnaround. Today, the population stands at around 200.
This little black bird is only found on the Chatham Islands. Numbers remain stable, but because it still has such a small population it is classified as critically-endangered.
Learn the size, diet and breeding habits of the critically endangered Chatham Islands black robin.
Predation and disease are two of the greatest threats to the Chatham Islands black robin.
Find out about DOC's work to bring the Chatham Islands black robin back from the brink of extinction and continued efforts to protect this species.
There are ways that you can help save the Chatham Islands black robin and other endangered species. Learn how in this section.
Free of introduced predators and pests, Mangere and Rangatira island nature reserves in the Chatham Islands are refuges for rare and endemic species including the critically-endangered black robin.
Meet Don Merton. Watch this video to discover how Don and his team were instrumental in the survival of New Zealand's black robin on the Chatham Islands.
The tale of the black robin is probably our most famous conservation story. The dedication that led to the return of this population from just one viable female, Old Blue, has inspired people throughout the globe.
View the Seven Black Robins documentary on NZ on Screen
A Biosecurity Strategy to help prevent the entry and establishment of pests onto the Chatham Islands - A discussion document (PDF, 211K)(www.cic.govt.nz)
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