The hihi was once thought to be a member of the honeyeater family (joined brush-tongued birds like bellbirds and Tui).
However, DNA testing has shown scientists that the Hihi is the sole representative of another bird family only found in New Zealandand its closest relatives may be the kokako and saddleback birds.
Hihi are extremely endangered and vulnerable to extinction. This is partly because of their precarious nesting sites - they nest in tree holes. The nest sits about the hole, with hihi jamming sticks across to make the nest, creating an easy access point for stoats and rats.
There are no sustainable populations of hihi on the mainland, with the only viable population being found on Hauturu (Little Barrier). However, with the building of the predator-proof fence around Maungatautari, hihi seem to be doing well in their three and a half years on site. Nesting is now in full swing.
For more information on Maungatautari Ecological Island, visit their website or their facebook page.
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