ANIMALS ON THE BRINK. PART 2 - THE SOUTH ISLAND KOKAKO

Matthew Lark continues a comprehensive look at some of our native birds, reptiles and insects, which are thought by most scientists to be extinct. This programme looks at the ongoing search for the South Island Kōkako, which many conservationists hope will soon be discovered.

Matthew interviews wildlife surveyor Rhys Buckingham who has been looking for the kōkako since 1980. He talks about some of the places he has been searching, similarities in other bird species song and dialect and talks about the efforts of other ornithologists who have joined in the search.

John Kendrick made an audio recording of the elusive kōkako in 1983.

Dave Crouchly found a feather on Stewart Island / Rakiura which was examined by John Darby at Otago Museum.

The South Island Kōkako Investigation Team is setting out to expand their skills and equipment to continue to hunt for the diminishing bird.