DOC's work with the black stilt/kakī
Kakī recovery programme
Kakī have been intensively managed since 1981, when their population declined to a low of just 23 birds. The Department of Conservation's captive breeding centre, near the town of Twizel in the Mackenzie Basin, plays an important role in the Kakī Recovery Programme.
Sponsorship from Mt Cook Hotel chain allowed DOC to purchase transmitters
for tracking kakī released into the wild
A number of kakī pairs are held at the centre for captive breeding. All kakī eggs are artificially incubated and the young chicks are raised in captivity. At 2-9 months they are released into the wild. Rearing them in captivity significantly increases their chances of survival by preventing predation when they are most vulnerable, (as chicks and eggs).
Conservation efforts to date have succeeded in averting extinction and increasing kakī numbers. By 2005, kakī numbers in the wild had increased to 55 adults, including 11 pairs. The next phase of the recovery programme will address the complex issues associated with managing kakī in the wild.
Keep up to date
For more information and regular updates, visit our Kakī Recovery Programme page on Facebook.
Contacts
DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number
Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) to report:
Sick or injured wildlife
Whale or dolphin strandings