The NZ Nature Fund says New Zealanders need to rally behind the critically endangered Southern NZ Dotterel now, before it becomes extinct.

DOC has just released its annual flock count for the Southern NZ Dotterel, which shows a 19% decline in the estimated population to 101 birds. This follows a 13% decline in bird numbers the previous year.

The New Zealand Nature Fund is raising funds from the public to support DOC’s Southern NZ Dotterel ranger team to protect the bird from predators. In the past six months New Zealanders have donated just over $82,000 through NZNF, but a total of $400,000 is required for more resources for predator control, satellite tracking and monitoring the bird population.

Former Conservation Minister and founding trustee of the New Zealand Nature Fund, Denis Marshall says kiwis have shown how passionate they are about the predator free movement, but some species like the Southern NZ Dotterel are on the brink of extinction and cannot wait any longer.

“We can be rightly proud of our community’s, indeed our country’s, efforts to plant more native trees, trap predators, address climate change and achieve carbon zero.

“However, I am deeply concerned about the widely held misconception that somehow through these efforts all nature will be restored, and our natural species will thrive.

“What is the point of restoring nature if our most critically endangered species are extinct?”

“I’m urging kiwis to dig deep and donate to our Southern NZ Dotterel campaign. Every dollar counts,” says Marshall.

Click here to hear Denis Marshall being interviewed by Nathan Rarere on RadioNZ’s First Up about the Southern NZ Dotterel.