Takahe Profile

33. Takahe Profile

Common Name: Takahe
Scientific Name: Porphyrio hochstetteri
Genus: Porphyrio
Family: Rallidae
Order: Gruiformes
Class: Aves
Phylum: Chordata
Conservation Status: Endangered (IUCN)

Physical Description

The Takahe is a large, flightless rail native to New Zealand. Once thought extinct, it is known for its vibrant plumage—deep cobalt-blue head and breast, iridescent greenish back, and a strong red beak and frontal shield. Its sturdy red legs are well adapted for walking through alpine grasslands.

Unlike many birds, the takahe cannot fly. Instead, it relies on powerful legs and a strong bill to move through dense tussock and to strip and crush tough grasses.

Height: Around 50 cm
Weight: 2 – 4 kg

Takahe have a robust body, short wings, and a heavy bill designed for feeding on fibrous vegetation.

Habitat

Takahe are found only in New Zealand, particularly in alpine and subalpine grasslands of the South Island. After being rediscovered in 1948 in the remote Murchison Mountains, conservation efforts have helped establish additional managed populations on predator-free islands and fenced sanctuaries.

Preferred habitats: Alpine grasslands, tussock fields, and wetlands

Diet

Takahe are herbivores, feeding primarily on tussock grasses. They use their strong beaks to strip away outer leaf blades and consume the softer, nutritious bases.

Diet: Tussock grass stems, shoots, seeds, and other alpine plants

They are selective feeders and play a role in shaping alpine vegetation through their grazing.

Behavior and Social Structure

Takahe are generally territorial and often found in monogamous pairs. They maintain year-round territories and defend them through vocal calls and displays.

Although flightless, they are agile walkers and can move efficiently across steep alpine terrain. During colder months, they may descend to lower elevations in search of food.

Reproduction

Takahe breed in spring and summer. Pairs build nests in sheltered grass or under shrubs.

Breeding season: October – January
Clutch size: 1 – 3 eggs
Incubation period: About 30 days

Both parents share incubation duties and help raise the chicks. Often, only one chick survives to fledging due to limited resources.

Did You Know?

Once Thought Extinct: The takahe was believed extinct for nearly 50 years until a small population was rediscovered in 1948.

Flightless Survivor: Despite having wings, the takahe cannot fly and evolved in New Zealand without mammalian predators.

Conservation Success Story: Intensive management has slowly increased their population through predator control and captive breeding.

Role in the Ecosystem

As native herbivores, takahe influence alpine plant communities through selective grazing. Their feeding patterns help maintain healthy tussock grasslands and contribute to ecosystem balance.

Conservation Status

The takahe is currently listed as Endangered due to habitat loss and introduced predators such as stoats, cats, and deer. With a population once reduced to fewer than 300 individuals, the species remains vulnerable but is gradually recovering thanks to intensive conservation management.

Conservation measures include:

• Predator control in alpine habitats

• Captive breeding and reintroduction programs

• Establishment of protected, predator-free sanctuaries

• Ongoing monitoring and habitat restoration
  
  

Why They're At Risk

Endangered (IUCN Red List)

The takahe evolved in isolation without land predators, making it especially vulnerable to introduced mammals. Habitat degradation and competition for food have further pressured populations.

Without continued conservation action, the species could decline again. However, with sustained protection and habitat management, this iconic New Zealand bird has a hopeful future as one of the world’s great conservation comeback stories.