The kārearea claimed victory in New Zealand's Bird of the Year contest with 21 percent of valid ballots from more than 75,000 voters. The native falcon reaches speeds of 200 kilometers per hour while hunting through dense forests despite having only 5,000 to 8,000 birds remaining in the wild. The Forest and Bird conservation group organized its 20th annual competition to highlight endangered species, as volunteers used social media campaigns to promote 73 different native birds.
The kea placed second with 12,506 votes, while the black robin followed with 11,726 votes in results that demonstrated public interest in conservation efforts. Campaign managers argued for their birds during election debates as awareness campaigns featured memes and hand-drawn posters to engage voters. The winning falcon will become the subject of a new waiata song released to the public as its prize.
Eight of the top 10 finishers face conservation challenges from habitat loss and introduced predators, which are pushing their populations toward extinction. The kākāpō and black robin maintain nationally critical status with fewer than 300 individuals surviving for each species. Previous winners are removed from the competition, allowing new birds a chance to earn recognition. International attention has grown since comedian John Oliver promoted the endangered pūteketeke through billboards and television appearances.
The kea placed second with 12,506 votes, while the black robin followed with 11,726 votes in results that demonstrated public interest in conservation efforts. Campaign managers argued for their birds during election debates as awareness campaigns featured memes and hand-drawn posters to engage voters. The winning falcon will become the subject of a new waiata song released to the public as its prize.
Eight of the top 10 finishers face conservation challenges from habitat loss and introduced predators, which are pushing their populations toward extinction. The kākāpō and black robin maintain nationally critical status with fewer than 300 individuals surviving for each species. Previous winners are removed from the competition, allowing new birds a chance to earn recognition. International attention has grown since comedian John Oliver promoted the endangered pūteketeke through billboards and television appearances.
