Southern New Zealand dotterel
Southern New Zealand dotterel | |
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Southern New Zealand dotterel on its breeding grounds on hills of Tin Range in Stewart Island | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Order: | Charadriiformes |
Family: | Charadriidae |
Genus: | Charadrius |
Species: | C. obscurus |
Subspecies: | C. o. obscurus
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Trinomial name | |
Charadrius obscurus obscurus Gmelin, 1789
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The southern New Zealand dotterel or southern red-breasted plover (Charadrius obscurus obscurus) is a critically endangered subspecies of the New Zealand dotterel, a shorebird endemic to New Zealand. The subspecies was once widespread across the South Island, but now breeds almost exclusively on Stewart Island.
Taxonomy
The southern New Zealand dotterel and its fellow subspecies, the northern New Zealand dotterel, were traditionally lumped together into one species under the name New Zealand dotterel. However, studies have shown that there are significant morphological differences to justify the separation of these two subspecies, with the southern subspecies being far bulkier. Not only that, but different environments on the South Island may have given rise to different features, such as stronger winds necessitating a longer middle toe and claw. There are also significant differences in behavior, with the northern New Zealand dotterel preferring sandy beaches, while the southern New Zealand dotterel prefers inland nest sites, wintering on the South Island's beaches.[3] In 2014, this subspecies was split by some taxonomic authorities.[4]
Distribution and habitat
While it was formerly found throughout the South Island, it is currently restricted to Stewart Island, where it breeds on inland mountain tops, plains, inland wetlands, marine intertidal, and river valleys. They have an upper elevation limit of 1,000 meters (3280.84 feet). [1][3]
Status
The southern New Zealand dotterel is categorized as
References
- ^ . Retrieved 12 November 2021.
- ^ Conservation status of New Zealand birds, 2016. Hugh A. Robertson, Karen Baird, John E. Dowding, Graeme P. Elliott, Rodney A. Hitchmough, Colin M. Miskelly, Nikki McArthur, Colin F.J. O’Donnell, Paul M. Sagar, R. Paul Scofield; Graeme A. Taylor. New Zealand Threat Classification Series 19.
- ^ a b Dowding, John E. (1994). "Morphometrics and ecology of the New Zealand Dotterel (Charadrius obscurus), with a description of a new subspecies" (PDF). Notornis. 41 (4): 221–233. Retrieved 19 May 2023.
- ^ del Hoyo, J.; Collar, N.J.; Christie, D.A.; Elliott, A.; Fishpool, L.D.C. "HBW and BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World. Volume 1: Non-passerines" (PDF). BirdLife. Lynx Edicions BirdLife International. Retrieved 18 June 2019.
- ^ "Southern dotterels suffer breeding season blow". Department of Conservation. 16 May 2023. Retrieved 19 May 2023.