Parea in flight. Photo: Dave Houston.

Parea in flight

Chatham Islands

The critically endangered Chatham Island pigeon or parea is restricted to the Chatham Islands. Although similar in appearance to the New Zealand 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.

Highlights:

Image from the Meet the Locals - Parea video. Image copyright: TVNZ.

Parea video

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.

Ice plant in flower, South East Island, Chatham Islands. Photo: Andy Cox.

Chatham Islands

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.

 
 
Contact

DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number

Phone 0800 DOCHOTline (0800 362 468) to report:

Sick or injured wildlife
Whale or dolphin strandings