Chatham Island pigeon/parea

Chatham Island pigeon conservation

The Chatham Island pigeon or parea (Hemiphaga chathamensis) is one of two species of native pigeon in New Zealand. It is heavier than the New Zealand pigeon, and has a red bill with an orange tip.

Tuku Nature Reserve

Due to the loss of much of Chatham Island's original forest cover, parea are now restricted to the south-west of the island, in the Tuku Nature Reserve and adjacent covenants.

The 1,238 ha Tuku Nature Reserve was donated to the Crown by Manuel and Evelyn Tuanui in 1983. Since its protection the forest has improved, providing more food and habitat for parea.

Predator control

Parea killed by cat

Parea spend much time on the ground grazing on leaves and fruit, making them an easy target for feral cats. Cats, possums and rats can also easily access parea nests which can often be in low vegetation or on the ground.

DOC undertakes cat, rat and possum control within the Tuku Nature Reserve and assists owners of adjacent Conservation Covenants to do the same.

Unfortunately, sometimes traps set to protect parea sometimes catch parea. Considerable effort is put into trap placement and understanding parea behavour to avoid this.

Surveys

DOC carries out surveys during the breeding season every five years, to help us understand the population size and trend.

A survey found that the population has increased to around 500 birds, from a population low of 40 in the late 1980s.

Help of landowners

Landowners have helped protect the habitat of the parea by creating reserves and fencing remnant bush to keep out stock. Predator control has also been carried out. 

You can help

Sightings of parea outside the south-west Chathams are of interest and should be reported to the Chatham Islands DOC office.

If you are travelling to the Chatham Islands, or transporting goods or livestock there, be careful that you don't introduce pest animals and plants or diseases. These could threaten the flora and fauna in this unique environment.

On your property

• Trap predators on your property.
• Be a responsible cat owner.

In your community

• Find and volunteer with your local community group 
• Trap predators in your community
• Get kids or schools involved

See Predator Free 2050 Trust - get involved for information.

Visiting parks, beaches, rivers, and lakes

• Leave nesting birds alone.
• Use available access ways to get to the beach. 
• Avoid leaving old fishing lines in the water.
• Follow the water care code and local navigation bylaws.
• Do not drive on riverbeds, or keep to formed tracks if you have to.
• Check for pests if visiting pest-free islands.

With your dog

• Only take dogs to areas that allow them, and keep them under control.
• If you come across wildlife put your dog on a lead and lead it away. 
• Warn other dog owners at the location.
• Notify DOC if you see wildlife being harassed by people or dogs.
• Get your dog trained in avian awareness.
• Learn about the Lead the Way programme which encourages dog owners to become wildlife wise and know how to act to protect coastal wildlife.

Specific ways to keep wildlife safe while with your dog on beaches.