Parea in flight
The critically endangered Chatham Island pigeon or parea is restricted to the Chatham Islands. Although similar in appearance to the New Zealand pigeon (or wood pigeon), it is around 20% heavier, making it one of the world's heaviest pigeons. Once numbering just 40 birds, the population has responded to conservation efforts and now stands at around 500.
The Chatham Island pigeon or parea is one of two species of native pigeon in New Zealand.
Habitat loss and predation by cats, possums and rats are key issues for parea.
DOC undertakes cat, rat and possum control within the Tuku Nature Reserve and carries out surveys of the parea population around every five years.
Find out how you can help save the parea and other endangered species in the Chatham Islands.
The parea is one of the largest pigeons in the world. Closely related to the kererū, this species dropped to around fifty birds in the 1980s. Learn how people on the Chathams protect it.
The Chatham Islands are located 860 kilometres east of Christchurch. The last Pacific islands to be settled, the Chathams feature many significant archaeological and historic sites. Rangatira and Mangere islands are important sanctuaries for threatened species.
Listen to or download a recording of Chatham Island pigeon/parea song.
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