Predators and habitat loss have led to the steady decline of many of our native bird species. But with New Zealand agencies such as the Wildlife Services and the Department of Conservation, many of those species are finally on the increase.
Issue information
New Zealand’s native birds have a unique history in terms of how and why they adapted into the mostly flightless species we are so well acquainted with today. A predominant lack of mammalian predators in the early days of their evolution meant that many species began to grow larger and lost the ability to fly. With the main predator being other birds, many native species also evolved without the instinct to run from trouble.
This posed a huge problem when the arrival of humans brought with it the arrival of mammalian predators such as rats, cats and stoats, all of which still pose a threat to our native species today.
This stamp issue focused on five native bird species that have been brought back from the brink of extinction thanks to the hard work of agencies such as the Wildlife Service and the Department of Conservation. Their great work has seen them go on to become world leaders in bird conservation.
First Day Covers and Miniature Sheets
Each first day cover depicted a native bird thriving in its natural habitat along with each of the gummed stamps. A limited edition first day cover and miniature sheet were also available as part of the limited edition pack with imagery of more of our recovering native birds.
Limited Edition and Presentation Pack
You could learn more about the incredible evolution of New Zealand’s native birds in these detailed packs. Discover why New Zealand has so many flightless birds and find out how various organisations are creating effective techniques to protect and increase the numbers of our unique birdlife. With further detail on each bird featured on the stamps as well as more stunning photography, these pack were a welcome gift to any stamp collector or bird enthusiast.
Product Listing for Recovering Native Birds
| Image | Title | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $1.00 'Campbell Island Teal' gummed stamp. This flightless duck was believed to be extinct due to predation by rats and cats on Campbell Island. In 1975, less than 30 birds were discovered on nearby Dent Island. Of these, 11 were caught to establish a captive-breeding programme at Pukaha/Mt Bruce. After years of failure, one of the three females finally bred, and the captive population then flourished. In 2000, 24 captive-bred birds were released on Codfish Island pending the eradication of rats from Campbell Island which was accomplished in 2001. Between 2004 and 2006 150 teal were returned home. The total population at the time of this stamp issue was over 250 birds. |
$1.00 |
 |
Single Stamp |
Single $2.20 'B |