Endemic to New Zealand, confined recently to the 23 hectare Dent Island, an offshore islet of Campbell Island (6). Campbell Island is thought to have been a stronghold for the species in the past, before becoming extinct there over 180 years ago (6) (7). In 1990, a survey of Dent estimated a population of 60 to 100 birds, probably equating to no more than 25 breeding pairs (6). In 1999 and 2000, a total of 24 captive-bred birds were released on Codfish Island but have since been removed, and in 2004 and 2005 a total of 105 birds were released on to Campbell Island (4).
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View a distribution map for this species at UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre. |
Found under thick, chest-high tussock grass. Sighted over most of the island but probably more common below 100 metres, and in damp areas (6).
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