- Conservation status
- In some trouble
They might look big and feisty but tāiko are gentle giants (most of the time). They are the largest burrowing petrel left on mainland Aotearoa and come onto land to breed in the lush coastal forests around Punakaiki.
Tāiko only leave their burrows at night. If you’re near Punakaiki and have your eyes on the skies an hour before sunset, you might see these big, chonky seabirds taking to the air to spend the day feeding out at sea.
Campaign Manager
Mark Fort
Hi, I am a very special entrant for this comp.
I usually don’t hang around seeking praise or kudos.
Pretty secretive really, no pretty colours or fancy feathers, just jet-streamed in shape and nearly BLACK all over so I can fly at night and avoid being seen by other feathered raptor species.
That also allows me to sneak in or out of my burrow on moonlit nights, or when arriving in the dawn after a long night out to sea gathering food for my young, avoiding those pesky predators.
I am one of a few of my species left living in the cliffs near that touristy spot Punakaiki on the wild West Coast.
My friend Mark Fort and his team who speak a language I do not have time to learn is going to help spread the word.
That is why I need your vote to help get the word out about the problems we face.
I will tell you about some of those over the coming weeks and you might be able to help.
And please tell ALL your friends about me and my kin, and get tuned into my Facebook page.
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