Interactive map launched in bid to save the bittern

The Taranaki Regional Council has launched an interactive map for the public to log sightings of the endangered Australasian bittern, of which there are fewer than 1000 left in Aotearoa. The map, hosted on the council’s website, allows users to mark where they have seen the elusive wetland bird, provide details such as time and location, and upload photos. Senior ecologist Halema Jamieson emphasized the importance of monitoring and protecting the dwindling population of the matuku-hūrepo/Australasian bittern.

Full Article