A falcon, known locally as the karearea, has won New Zealand's "Bird of the Year" title. The fast-moving bird of prey came out on top with 21% of the vote. The karearea can fly at 200km an hour and hunt skilfully even in dense forest. The species is currently at risk, however, with only 5,000 to 8,000 left, the BBC reported.
The contest has been held for 20 years to raise awareness of endangered species. This year 73 birds took part, each with its own campaigner.
Campaigners used memes, reels and hand-drawn posters to win over voters. Nicola Toki, chief executive of the organisation Forest and Bird, said that although the campaigning is fun, the message is serious. The report quotes her as saying that 80 of the top-ten species are now endangered.
Runners-up
The kea came second (12,506 votes) and the kakaruia, or black robin, third (11,726 votes). The black robin also came close to winning last year but was beaten by the hoiho, a shy yellow-eyed penguin. The kakapo, the world's fattest parrot, had won twice before and was removed from the contest in 2022 so that other birds would have a chance to win.
This year the takahe (once thought to be extinct) and a small owl called the ruru, or morepork, also did well. A special edition of the popular game Wordle, called "Birdle", was launched so that bird lovers could take part.
The contest now attracts international attention. Comedian John Oliver previously campaigned for the endangered puteketeke to win, performing on his show in a bird costume and putting up billboards from New Zealand to Japan, France and the United Kingdom.
Contests like this are held not only in New Zealand but in Australia too, where voting for "Bird of the Year" will take place throughout October.
Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.
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