| content |
| Parea | ||||||||||||||
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| Conservation status | ||||||||||||||
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NR
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| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||
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| Binomial name | ||||||||||||||
| Hemiphaga chathamensis (Rothschild, 1891) |
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| Synonyms | ||||||||||||||
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Hemiphaga novaseelandiae chathamensis |
The Parea (Moriori) or Chatham Island Pigeon (Hemiphaga chathamensis) is a bird endemic to the Chatham Islands in New Zealand. Growing to 800g in weight and 55 cm in length, Parea are larger than Kererū or New Zealand Pigeon (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae), and also have a heavier bill.
While not rated by IUCN (where considered a subspecies of the Kererū), it is a threatened species, with a population of around 150 birds largely restricted to the southern forests of Chatham Island/Rekohu (particularly those around the Tuku River). A few have been seen elsewhere on Chatham island and also further afield on Pitt and South East islands[1]. They were common in the 1870s but because of habitat destruction and the predation of mammalian invasive species, the population was reduced to 40 by 1990. Since then, predator control and stock fencing in and around the Tuku valley have resulted in improved breeding success which has led to rapid population growth[1].
Traditionally considered a subspecies of the Kererū, it was proposed in 2001 to be distinct enough to be raised to full species status.[2] Few authorities outside New Zealand have followed this, with most still considering it a subspecies.[3][4]
References
- ^ a b Barrie Heather and Hugh Robertson, "The Field Guide to the Birds of New Zealand" (revised edition), Viking, 2005
- ^ Millener, P. R., and R. G. Powlesland. (2001). The Chatham Island pigeon (Parea) deserves full species status; Hemiphaga chathamensis (Rothschild 1891); Aves: Columbidae. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand 31:365-383.
- ^ Clements, J. (2007). The Clements Checklist of the Birds of the World. Edition 6. Christopher Helm. ISBN 9780713686951
- ^ Dickinson, E. (2003). The Howard and Moore Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World. Edition 3. Christopher Helm. ISBN 0713665362
External links
- "Parea recovery plan 2001-2011" (PDF). Department of Conservation, Wellington, New Zealand (2001). Retrieved on 2007-09-19.
