New Zealand’s karure, or Chatham Islands black robin, has been named Bird of the Year 2026, highlighting one of the country’s most notable wildlife conservation success stories.
The small black bird, found only on the remote Chatham Islands, was once on the brink of extinction. By 1980, only five birds remained, including just one fertile female. Conservationists and the Chatham Islands community began an intensive recovery programme, working from a single breeding pair known as Old Blue and Old Yellow.
Today, the population has recovered to around 350 adult birds, living on two predator-free nature reserve islands. Conservation efforts have included protecting habitat and controlling introduced predators such as rats and cats.
The black robin received more than 25,500 votes in this year’s Bird of the Year competition, which attracted a record 105,000 voters.
Despite the recovery, the species remains classified as Nationally Critical. Conservationists say the available suitable habitat on the two islands is approaching capacity, making the creation of a third population important for future growth.
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