Flight of the Huia: Ecology and Conservation of New Zealand's Frogs, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals

Abstract

The Huia Heteralocha acutirostris (Passerifonnes: Callaeidae) was a remarkable bird, endemic to New Zealand and famous for its sexual dimorphism in beak shape, which allowed differentiation of invertebrate resource collection by foraging pairs. Huia were once widespread throughout New Zealand, but declined rapidly following human settlement due to predation by introduced mammals, habitat loss, hunting and collecting, until their extinction in the early 20th Century. The plight of the Huia is, tragically, parallel to the stories of many of New Zealand?s endemic vertebrates, and is a fitting frontispiece for Kerry-Jane Wilson?s new book which delves into the ecological history of the New Zealand fauna.