Chatham Island oystercatcher/tōrea
This black and white wader is unique to the Chatham Islands. It is an endangered species with a high risk of extinction due to its very small population and range.
The Chatham Island oystercatcher/tōrea is ranked as critically-endangered. In 1998 the Department of Conservation began an intensive oystercatcher management programme.
Thanks to these efforts, bird numbers have increased and the future outlook for the species looks quietly optimistic.
Find out about the ecology, habitat, population and range of the Chatham Island oystercatcher.
Find out what threatens the long-term survival of the Chatham Island oystercatcher.
DOC is involved in an intensive Chatham Island oystercatcher management programme that includes predator control, nest relocation when necessary, dune restoration and monitoring.
Find out how you can be a part of saving the endangered Chatham Island oystercatcher.
Chatham Island oystercatcher fact sheet (PDF, 577K)
Chatham Island oystercatcher recovery plan (PDF, 163K)
Habitat selection and breeding ecology of the endangered Chatham Island oystercatcher (Haematopus chathamensis) (2005) (PDF, 203K)
Birds of the sea and shore - Te Ara Encyclopedia of NZ
DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number
Phone 0800 DOCHOTline (0800 362 468) to report:
Sick or injured wildlifeWhale or dolphin strandings
