Biology:Southern red-breasted plover

Charadrius obscurus obscurus
Conservation status
Critically Endangered (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Charadriiformes
Family:	Charadriidae
Genus:	Charadrius
Species:	C. obscurus
Subspecies:	C. o. obscurus
Trinomial name
Charadrius obscurus obscurus Gmelin, 1789

The southern red-breasted plover (Charadrius obscurus obscurus) is a bird endemic to New Zealand, and was once widespread across the South Island, though now it breeds nearly exclusively on Stewart Island.

Taxonomy

Together, the southern red-breasted plover, and its cousin, the northern red-breasted plover, were lumped into one species under the name New Zealand plover. However, studies have shown that there are significant morphological differences to justify the separation of these two subspecies, with the southern subspecies being far more bulkier. Not only that, but different environments on the South Island may have given rise to different features, such as stronger winds necessitating a longer middle toe and claw. There are also significant differences in behavior, with the northern red-breasted plover preferring sandy beaches, while the southern red-breasted plover prefers inland nest sites, wintering on the South Island's beaches. In 2014, this subspecies was split by some taxonomic authorities.

Distribution and Habitat

While it was formerly found throughout the South Island, it is currently restricted to Stewart Island, where it breeds on inland mountain tops, plains, and river valleys.

Status

It has been subject to numerous fluctuations. While it was extirpated from the South Island primarily due to introduced species, such as feral cats and stoats, it experienced a brief swell in population size to around 290 birds in 2005, followed by a period of intense decline for unclear reasons, dropping to around 120 individuals. While the cause is unknown, it has been concluded it is not due to a lack of recruitment, but rather some decline of mature birds, as suggested by the sheer drop in population. Consequently, it has been categorized as critically endangered.