The document discusses the conservation of the endangered Chatham Island black robin. It describes how in 1980 there was only one breeding pair left, but through innovative management like cross-fostering eggs to other bird species, the population has increased to between 250-300 birds now living on Mangere and Rangatira Islands. It highlights this as an internationally renowned success story in species recovery.

1. BIRDWATCHING, BIRDWATCH
ER AND THE CHATHAM
ISLAND BIRD
The hobby of bird-watching
developed mostly in the 20th
century in developed
countries in the west.
Bird-watching or "birding" is an The growth of bird-watching
activity connected with the visual as a scientific sport was aided
observation and study of wild birds by the increasing availability
in their natural habitat. Birding of optical aids like binoculars
usually attracts the and the spotting scope.
educated, affluent and middle-
aged who are interested in wildlife
and are keen to travel and spend
time outdoors.

2. Ornithology And Some Of The
Famous Indian Ornithologists
Sálim Moizuddin Abdul Ali was an Indian
ornithologist and naturalist, Known as the
“birdman of India”. Salim Ali was among the
first Indians to conduct systematic bird surveys
across India and his bird books helped develop
ornithology. He was awarded India's second
highest civilian honour, the Padma Vibhushan in
1976. He created the Bharatpur bird
sanctuary, and prevented the destruction of
what is now the Silent Valley National Park.
Ornithologist

3. Chatham Island black robin (Petroica traversi)
The conservation of this robin
is an internationally renowned
success story. In 1980 there
were only five black robins in
the world, with just a single
breeding pair left. The survival
of the species hinged on the
last pair. A desperate and
innovative management
regime was quickly put into
action that resulted in a
successful population
turnaround. This small robin
has pure black plumage and a
short, slender bill.
This species is affected by global
climate change.

4. The Black Thrush is a species
of bird in the Turdidae family.
It was formerly known as the
Black Robin. The average life expectancy of a
It is found in El Salvador, black robin is four years.
Guatemala, Honduras,
and Mexico. Its natural habitat
Black robins spend the majority of
is subtropical or tropical moist their time in the lower branches of
montane forest. the forest away from strong
winds, or foraging amongst the leaf
litter on the forest floor.
They are insectivores; feeding on a
wide range of invertebrates
including cockroaches, worms and
the endemic weta (a type of cricket).

5. Today a population of around 250 to
300 birds exists on two small islands:
Mangere and Rangatira.
The New Zealand Wildlife Service
began 'cross-fostering' eggs and young
from this remaining pair of robins
(known as 'old blue' and 'old yellow') to
another species in an effort to increase
productivity.
This innovative approach was a
resounding success; today between 250
and 300 birds are distributed on
Mangere and Rangatira Islands and
there are plans to introduce a
population to the much larger Pitt
Island once it has been cleared of pests.
This is a remarkable conservation
success story and an example of what
can be achieved.

6. THE CHATHAM ISLANDS
Mangere Island
Mangere
Situated to the West of Pitt
Island, Mangere is 113ha in
area, surrounded by cliffs and
rises to 286m at its summit. It was
purchased by the Crown in 1966
after having been farmed, which
resulted in the widespread
clearance of most of the
vegetation.
Rangatira (South East Island)
Rangatira
Rangatira has been described as
one of the world's premier bird
islands. Like Mangere, it is a
Nature Reserve managed by the
Department of Conservation.
Purchased by the Crown in 1953.

7. SOME OTHER TYPES OF ROBINS
Flame robin
Snow Mountain robin(Petroica (Petroica phoenicea)
archboldi)
Orange-billed babbler