Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species was previously widespread throughout the eastern drylands of New Zealand's North and South Islands. It is only known from subfossil bones and the date of extinction is unknown, but over-hunting and predation by rats were likely responsible (Hume 2017). A first approximation suggests it became extinct some time between 1250 and 1860, but was likely extinct by the time of European contact in the late 18th century (Holdaway et al. 2002).
Population justification
None remain.
Chenonetta finschi was endemic to New Zealand, where it was abundant and widespread throughout the eastern drylands of the North and South Islands (Adams 2013).
It was herbivorous and terrestrial, inhabiting grassland, scrublands or open forests and with little association with wetlands or lakes. It probably bred in hollows, tree trunk or fallen logs (the preferred breeding locations of C. jubata) and was most likely a grazer and browser of vegetation, probably mixed with fallen fruit and some invertebrates. It was probably almost flightless (Adams 2013).
It may have become reduced in range and population before human settlement. Extinction occurred after Polynesian settlement but there is uncertainty whether the species persisted into European times. It was probably extremely vulnerable to egg predation by Polynesian Rats Rattus exulans, and was hunted by early Maori. Rats may have also competed for food. It is unclear what impact habitat modification would have had on the species (Adams 2013).
Text account compilers
Vine, J.
Contributors
Martin, R., Symes, A. & Taylor, J.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Finsch's Duck Chenonetta finschi. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/finschs-duck-chenonetta-finschi on 27/11/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 27/11/2024.