The kārearea, or New Zealand falcon, claimed victory in the country’s Bird Of The Year competition Monday after receiving more than 14,500 votes. Forest & Bird conservation group runs the annual contest, which drew over 75,000 participants this year from New Zealand’s 5 million residents. The fierce raptor can reach speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour and preys on smaller birds. Between 5,000 and 8,000 New Zealand falcons remain in the wild, making them a threatened species vulnerable to electrocution and habitat loss. Phil Bradfield from Kārearea Falcon Trust called the winner “fast and sneaky and very special.” Forest & Bird Chief Executive Nicola Toki said “Behind the memes and mayhem is a serious message” about conservation. The competition featured all 73 native bird species, each with volunteer campaign managers promoting their candidates through social media campaigns and public events. (Story URL)
