The South Island Takahe is a large flightless rail with stout red legs and a strong bill. In the wild it feeds on grassland plants and may move into forest when snow is deep.
Its head and breast are dark blue, the shoulders are blue, and the wings and back range through iridescent turquoise to olive green; it has stout red legs and a large bill.
Takahe conservation aims to establish self-sustaining wild populations. In May 2026, eight birds moved from Gouland Downs to an Onetahua trial sanctuary protected by fencing and predator control.
Gouland Downs began as a wild trial in 2018, but food quality, adult survival and breeding were poorer than hoped. DOC is winding down that site using lessons from monitoring.
The new site is also monitored. Food, predators, climate, terrain and practical access inform decisions, with iwi and community conservation partners supporting preparation and follow-up.
New Zealand conservation status (DOC account) · Threatened–Nationally Vulnerable · New Zealand
Introduced predators such as stoats and feral cats are threats. Recovery work supports breeding and suitable sites while monitoring food, survival and reproduction after transfers.