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Story: Wetland birds

Releasing Campbell Island teal

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Releasing Campbell Island teal

These boxes contain Campbell Island teal which are about to be released on Campbell Island – returning a species that disappeared there after rats invaded from visiting ships nearly 200 years earlier. From a tiny population discovered on nearby Dent Island, teal were bred in captivity on the mainland and on Codfish Island. In 2003 a rat eradication operation was completed on Campbell Island, making it safe again for the birds. Between 2004 and 2006, 159 teal were released there.

Using this item

Department of Conservation

Reference: 10055920

by Helen Gummer

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How to cite this page

Christina Troup, Wetland birds – Teal, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/14644/releasing-campbell-island-teal (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Christina Troup, published 1 March 2009.