Chatham Island Oystercatcher. Photo: Don Merton.

Chatham Island oystercatcher/tōrea

Chatham Islands

Map showing location of Chatham Islands.

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.