Wrybill  (Anarhynchus frontalis)

Large flocks of wrybills were recorded in the early 19th century but the species has since undergone a long-term decline, principally as a result of habitat loss at breeding sites (2). The shingle beds that comprise the nesting habitat of this species have decreased in size due to the encroachment of weeds, and altered river flooding regimes caused by hydroelectric schemes (2). It is also likely that predation by introduced stoats (Mustela erminea) and cats has played a large part in the decline of this ground-nesting bird (2).

The wrybill became fully protected in New Zealand in 1940 (2). Research is currently being undertaken into the impact of predation on wrybill population numbers (2). Long-term monitoring is vital in determining the overall trends in this threatened species (2).