In 2025, New Zealand targeted feral cats threatening southern dotterels on Stewart Island; a year later the critically endangered bird's population rose from 105 to about 160, its biggest annual gain in 32 years
- The population of New Zealand's critically endangered southern dotterel, known locally as pukunui, has risen by 52 percent in one year.
- The increase followed an intensive effort to control feral cats on Stewart Island, also known as Rakiura.
- According to a media release published on April 21 by New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC), an annual count of the birds at beaches across Murihiku and Southland found that their population had grown from 105 in April 2025 to an estimated 160.
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- The population of New Zealand's critically endangered southern dotterel, known locally as pukunui, has risen by 52 percent in one year.
- The increase followed an intensive effort to control feral cats on Stewart Island, also known as Rakiura.
- According to a media release published on April 21 by New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC), an annual count of the birds at beaches across Murihiku and Southland found that their population had grown from 105 in April 2025 to an estimated 160.
Sources: Times of India