Black Robin Wins

The black robin has won New Zealand's Bird of the Year vote, receiving more than 26,000 votes. The bird, which lives on the remote Chatham Islands, 800km off the South Island’s east coast, has made a remarkable recovery from the brink of extinction.

In 1980, only five black robins remained, including a single breeding female. However, thanks to conservation efforts, there are now about 350 black robins. The bird's population growth is a testament to the success of conservation initiatives in New Zealand.

The black robin topped the pecking order ahead of the famed flightless parrot, the kakapo, which came in second, and the native karearea falcon, which came in third. The annual Bird of the Year competition is run by Forest and Bird, an independent conservation organisation.

## Why it matters The Bird of the Year competition is significant because it raises awareness about New Zealand's unique and endangered bird species. The competition has been the subject of controversy in the past, but it continues to play an important role in promoting conservation efforts in the country. The black robin's win is a reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving New Zealand's natural heritage.

The recovery of the black robin population is a notable achievement, and it highlights the impact that conservation efforts can have on endangered species. As New Zealand continues to work towards protecting its unique wildlife, the Bird of the Year competition will remain an important platform for raising awareness and promoting conservation initiatives.