New Zealand has lost 56 out of 171 bird species since human settlement began. This was reported by scientists from the University of Adelaide (Australia).
So, 30.9% of birds died out in the main territory of New Zealand. If we also take into account the Chatham Archipelago, which is part of this state, then the proportion of extinct species is 32.8%.
According to the New Zealand Environmental Journal, the North Island, where most of the country’s population now lives, has lost the most birds. Half of all bird species have become extinct there, as the anthropogenic impact is great. But the underdeveloped islands of New Zealand suffered less – less than 15% of the species died out there.
Previously, Plus-one.ru talked about the Bird of the Year contest in New Zealand. It is designed to draw public attention to the problem of endangered species. Thanks to the active work of animal rights activists in the country, it was possible to restore the number of an almost extinct owl parrot – kakapo.
New Zealanders are very concerned about the conservation of their nature, including the life of rare birds. Therefore, public donations for the treatment and rehabilitation of kakapo exceeded 200 million New Zealand dollars ($123.4 million). The state also allocates funds for the conservation and development of local ecosystems.