Conservation efforts for the Australasian bittern, known as the matuku-hūrepo, are gaining momentum as organizations and the community rally to support the This wetland bird is facing alarming population declines, with estimates showing fewer than 1,000 remain across New Zealand, and possibly fewer than 30 residing within the Taranaki region itself.
To help protect this elusive species, the Taranaki Regional Council has introduced an interactive online map allowing the public to log sightings of the bittern. This initiative aims to encourage community engagement and gather data important for conservation strategies. The website is user-friendly, enabling anyone to pinpoint where they’ve seen or heard the bittern, providing details about the sighting, along with photos.
Senior ecologist Halema Jamieson emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, "The public's help is absolutely fundamental as the matuku-hūrepo is counting on us for its survival. Knowing how many are left and where they are living is the first step to trying to improve their chances of survival." She added, "The matuku-hūrepo is absolutely beautiful and serves as an iconic representation of healthy wetland habitats. We must do everything we can to prevent its extinction, as it would be nothing short of tragic."
Part of the drive for this conservation initiative derives from the recent recognition of the bittern's plight during the Bird of the Year competition, organized by Forest & Bird. The council’s efforts coincide with the national campaign, Love Bittern, which aims to rally public awareness and support for the species. An integral part of this campaign is the "Great Matuku-hūrepo Muster," running from 19 October to 16 November, urging the public to note sightings and activities related to this rare bird.
Another measure being implemented to protect the bittern involves road safety. After two bitterns were tragically struck by cars near the Mohakatino bridge on State Highway 3, officials have taken action. New warning signs urging drivers to slow down have been installed to help mitigate the risk to these birds.
Jamieson noted, "Taranaki motorists can also help by keeping a lookout for matuku-hūrepo as they drive. We’ll be out there ourselves over the coming months, adding our sightings to the map. It’s such an easy-to-use tool for recording where you’ve seen these remarkable birds, so we encourage everyone to join us to support the bittern and report their sightings."
For those interested, good places to observe the matuku-hūrepo include wetlands across Taranaki, from New Plymouth to Mōkau/Awakino, and areas south of Hāwera, particularly near Waverley and Waitōtara.
The conservation status of the matuku-hūrepo is categorized as 'nationally critically endangered.' A key factor contributing to the decline is habitat loss, mainly due to wetland degradation. The bittern primarily feeds on fish but also consumes various other prey like spiders, insects, frogs, lizards, and worms.
With such pressing threats to the matuku-hūrepo's survival, this new interactive map could play a pivotal role. It not only designs the pathway for tracking the bird’s whereabouts but also fosters community engagement and sends a clear message about the need for collective action to preserve New Zealand’s unique wildlife.
