Conservation of
Matuku-Hūrepo
Australasian Bittern in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Matuku-hūrepo,
Australasian bittern
Matuku-hūrepo (Botaurus poiciloptilus) are Critically Endangered in Aotearoa New Zealand, with fewer than 1,000 individuals thought to be remaining. The species has undergone a dramatic decline due largely to the loss of their wetland habitat. Populations continue to decline primarily due to the continued degradation of remaining wetland habitats and predation from introduced mammalian predators. Other factors of decline include starvation, vehicle strike, human disturbance, and predation by native Kahū swamp harrier which thrive in the human modified landscapes surrounding many wetlands.
Australasian bittern is also found in Australia where it is similarly endangered, and Papua New Guinea where its status is uncertain, possibly already extinct.
Our
Approach
The Bittern Conservation Trust’s main aim is to “Ensure stabilisation and increase in the breeding population of Matuku-hūrepo/Australasian bittern in Aotearoa New Zealand”.
We aim to do this by providing coordination between different groups, regions, and agencies to maximise the collective efforts, providing the best outcome for bittern and their conservation.
Bittern are apex predators in wetland habitats and as an indicator species for a healthy functioning ecosystem, if bittern prosper, we will all benefit.
How we will
achieve this:
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Advocate for the protection, restoration and creation of wetland habitats as an essential element in increasing the population of matuku-hūrepo.
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Promote and coordinate best practices in monitoring of matuku-hūrepo and ensuring that scientific rigour is applied as widely and clearly as possible. Data collected should be available, where authorised, to all interested parties.
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Promote best practice in identifying and removing or mitigating threats, including habitat loss and pest plants and animals, that compromise the survival and successful breeding of matuku-hūrepo.
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Support scientific studies and investigations relating to the biology and ethology and breeding success of matuku-hūrepo.
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Promote the sharing of information pertinent to the conservation of matuku-hūrepo and their habitat to members of the trust, its supporters, appropriate local and national government organisations and to the general public.
Working with others to make change happen
providing the best outcome for bittern and their conservation.
Founded in 2023, the Bittern Conservation Trust is dedicated to protecting one of Aotearoa’s most threatened wetland birds — the Matuku-Hūrepo / Australasian bittern. Through advocacy, research, restoration and community action, we’re working to ensure this species doesn’t vanish from our landscapes. Learn more about who we are and why we’re here.
