New Zealand quail

Coturnix novaezelandiae

New Zealand Quail (Coturnix novaezelandiae), also known as the koreke, was a bird species endemic to New Zealand. It is now extinct. The New Zealand Quail belonged to the Phasianidae family, which includes pheasants, partridges, and other quails. This bird was the only quail species native to New Zealand, making its extinction a significant loss to the country's biodiversity.

Description

The New Zealand Quail was a small bird, similar in size to other quails. It had a distinctive plumage, with males and females exhibiting different color patterns. Males typically had richer, more vibrant colors compared to females. The species was adapted to living in grasslands and open country, where it foraged on the ground for seeds, insects, and other small invertebrates.

Habitat and Distribution

Originally, the New Zealand Quail was widespread across both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Its habitat included grasslands, scrublands, and open forest areas. However, with the arrival of humans and the introduction of mammalian predators, along with habitat destruction, the quail's numbers began to decline.

Extinction

The New Zealand Quail was declared extinct in the late 19th century. The primary causes of its extinction were overhunting, habitat destruction, and the introduction of predatory mammals such as cats and rats. The last confirmed sighting was in the 1870s. Despite occasional reports of sightings since then, none have been substantiated, and the species is considered to have been extinct since the late 19th century.

Conservation Lessons

The extinction of the New Zealand Quail serves as a poignant reminder of the impact humans can have on native wildlife. It highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect other endangered species and their habitats. The loss of the New Zealand Quail has spurred conservation efforts in New Zealand to prevent similar extinctions of other native species.

Cultural Significance

The New Zealand Quail held significance for Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, who hunted the bird for food and used its feathers for decoration. The extinction of the koreke is a loss not only to New Zealand's natural heritage but also to its cultural heritage.

See Also

• Extinct birds of New Zealand
• Conservation in New Zealand
• Endemic birds of New Zealand

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