Tāiko head close up
The tāiko, one of the world's rarest seabirds, is found on the Chatham Islands off mainland New Zealand. Their habitat is rugged, isolated and looks primeval.
For many years the tāiko was considered extinct. Learn more about these birds that were rediscovered in 1978.
Introduced predators are a grave threat to tāiko.
Predator control, including building a predator fence around tāiko breeding areas, is an important component of the tāiko recovery programme.
You can learn about ways to help protect the elusive tāiko.
The Chatham Islands is home to New Zealand's rarest bird, the taiko, or magenta petrel. Watch this video to find out how DOC protects it from predators.
Moriori people once hunted the taiko but by the time Europeans arrived on the Chathams this seabird was thought to be extinct.
Tāiko Recovery Plan (PDF, 140K)
Website of the Chatham Island Tāiko Trust
Media release: Record number of Chatham Island tāiko chicks fledge
Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) 24 hour emergency number to report:
Sick or injured wildlife Whale or dolphin strandings
Contacts