TAKAHE by Roger Lavers land Jim Mills

Forest and Bird, Volume 15, Issue 2, 1 May 1984, Page 46

TAKAHE by Roger Lavers land Jim Mills

Publishers

DAVID G. COLLINGWOOD

John McIndoe

This is a beautiful and informative book of 24 pages, 14 of them comprising fine colour photos of the Takahe and their present mountain habitat. The extent of their preEuropean distribution is described, and a map is included to show the sub-fossil and midden finds stretching from Cape Reinga in the north to the Southland coastline. The reasons are given for their withdrawal to a final habitat in Fiordland and the further diminution of numbers caused by competition for food by deer and attacks by stoats in this mountain habitat, is discussed. The authors have been closely involved with study of the remnant takahe and their work has been to the fore and on the spot over the past decade in the effort to save the takahe from extinction. The text is uncomplicated, and clearly informative. Coming from these two scientists the story is told | refreshingly with no padding. It is easily read and leaves one with the satisfaction that with such a good briefing one has a reliable understanding of takahe and the steps being taken to ensure their survival. This book is the first of a series to be published on New Zealand’s endangered birds. I look forward to the further titles including the Kakapo, Black stilt, Black robin, and Kokako which are being issued by the New Zealand Wildlife Service in association with the publisher.

If later titles are as well illustrated and as readable as the present book under review, we can look forward to a worthy contribution to the literature on New Zealand’s threatened and endangered creatures. Moreover the low price will ensure that the books will become widely read. Takahe is the bird that reappeared in 1948 from the myths of time, to the excitement of us all. Our conscience for the well-being and continuance of this endangered ground walking and venerable bird is an important part of our national ethic. Strongly recommended to all.

$3.95