takahe

Everyday

The takahe is a large, flightless bird from New Zealand, with blue-green feathers, a big red beak and red legs. It was thought to be extinct but was found again in 1948 and is now protected. tree →

In the lessons

In New Zealand schools and in science lessons on endangered animals and conservation, the takahe is a famous success story: rangers protect it on islands free of predators like stoats and rats. The name comes from the Māori language. Phrases: «the South Island takahe», «takahe conservation».

Examples

• The takahe is a big bird that cannot fly. tree →
• Takahe live in New Zealand. tree →
• People thought the takahe was extinct until 1948. tree →
• We saw a takahe at a wildlife sanctuary. tree →
• Rangers protect takahe from stoats and rats. tree →
• The takahe has a bright red beak. tree →
• Our class made posters about saving the takahe. tree →

Note

A Māori word, often written «takahē» with a macron; pronounced roughly «TAH-kah-heh». Plural is often the same, «takahe». Do not confuse with the pukeko, a smaller relative that can fly.