New Zealand's Only Falcon Wins Annual Bird Election
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - In a closely contested competition, the karearea, New Zealand's only falcon, was crowned Bird of the Year in the country's annual bird election on Monday. The karearea, also known as the New Zealand falcon, secured the top spot with over 75,000 voters from 123 countries participating online.
According to Forest Bird Chief Executive Nicola Toki, voter participation was second only to the competition in 2023 when Last Week Tonight host John Oliver playfully volunteered as a campaign manager. "Behind the memes and mayhem is a serious message," said Toki. "The bird election highlights the importance of conservation efforts and the need for continued support."
The karearea, capable of flying at speeds of up to 200 kilometers (124 miles) per hour, is threatened in New Zealand due to habitat loss and predation. Official figures suggest between 5,000 and 8,000 New Zealand falcons remain.
In a statement, Phil Bradfield, a trustee of the Karearea Falcon Trust in Marlborough, located on New Zealand's South Island, expressed his delight at the karearea's win. "This is a great outcome for our efforts to conserve this magnificent bird," said Bradfield. "We hope that the awareness generated by the bird election will translate into tangible support for conservation initiatives."
The kea, the world's only alpine parrot, secured second place in the competition. The kea, known for its intelligence and curiosity, is also native to New Zealand.
Background on the karearea reveals a species struggling to survive due to habitat loss and predation. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the bird's habitat and reduce human impact on its population.
The annual bird election has been running since 2005, with the aim of raising awareness about conservation issues and promoting support for bird conservation initiatives. The competition is organized by Forest & Bird, a New Zealand-based environmental organization.
As the karearea takes center stage, attention turns to the ongoing efforts to protect this iconic species. With its speed and agility, the karearea remains an important part of New Zealand's ecosystem. However, its future hangs in the balance as conservationists continue to work towards preserving its habitat and reducing threats to its population.
In a statement, Forest & Bird expressed their gratitude for the public's involvement in the bird election. "We are thrilled that so many people have taken an interest in our feathered friends," said Toki. "The success of this year's competition will help us continue our conservation efforts and promote awareness about the importance of protecting New Zealand's unique wildlife."
*Reporting by Dw.*
