5 Ashoj, Wellington (RASS/AFP) – The black robin, a species critically endangered in New Zealand, has been declared this year’s ‘Bird of the Year.’ This competition attracted over 105,000 votes. The black robin found on Chatham Island, approximately 800 kilometers east of the South Island’s east coast, was once on the brink of extinction. In the 1980s, only five black robins remained, including a single breeding female. Today, it is estimated that roughly 350 individuals exist within two protected areas.
The black robin secured first place by surpassing the flightless parrot kākāpō and the native New Zealand falcon (kārearea), receiving over 26,000 votes. The annual contest, organized by the independent conservation group Forest & Bird, has previously faced controversies. In 2019, hundreds of votes originating from New Zealand IP addresses raised concerns of foreign interference, particularly from Russia. However, the organization confirmed that the majority of votes were legitimate.
This year, Forest & Bird’s Rebecca Hatch clarified that there was no foreign interference contributing to the increased voter turnout. According to her, 105,000 people voted for their favorite native bird. “New Zealanders have truly raised their voices in support of nature. Approximately one in every 50 people cast a vote,” she said. Previously, in 2023, the humorous support of comedian John Oliver helped the puaiohi win the title. The Chatham Islands Landscape Restoration Trust has been actively campaigning to preserve the black robin and plans to establish an additional protected habitat to boost its population and biodiversity.
