Codfish Island / Whenua Hou facts for kids
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Whenua Hou (Māori)
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Map of Stewart Island, with Codfish Island to the west.
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| Geography | |
| Coordinates | 46°47′S 167°38′E / 46.783°S 167.633°E |
| Total islands | 1 |
| Area | 14 km2 (5.4 sq mi) |
| Highest elevation | 250 m (820 ft) |
| Administration | |
| Region | Southland Region |
| Demographics | |
| Population | (?) |
Codfish Island or Whenua Hou is a small island (14 km2 or 5.4 sq mi) located to the west of Stewart Island/Rakiura in southern New Zealand. It reaches a height of 250 m (820 ft) close to the south coast.
The English name "Codfish Island" refers to the endemic blue cod or rawaru / pakirikiri, which is fished commercially in surrounding waters by trapping in baited pots. The Māori-language name "Whenua Hou" means "new land". Codfish Island is home to Sirocco, an internationally famous kakapo, a rare species of parrot.
Wildlife
Following the eradication of possums and rats in 1998 and the transfer of weka to other islands, Codfish is a predator-free bird sanctuary and the focus of kakapo recovery efforts. It holds the majority of the breeding population of critically endangered kakapo. In 2002, 24 kakapo chicks fledged on the island. In 2009 and 2016, 33 and 32 chicks fledged respectively. Its most famous resident is Sirocco, a kakapo born in 1997; Sirocco became the government's "Official Spokesbird for Conservation" in 2010.
Codfish Island is also home to southern short-tailed bats, kaka, fernbirds, red-fronted and yellow-crowned parakeet, Pacific black ducks and a recently introduced population of yellowheads (mohua).
The island has been identified as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International because of its significance as a breeding site for several species of seabirds, including Fiordland and yellow-eyed penguins, and mottled, Cook's and Whenua Hou diving petrels.
Access
The island is visited by scientific researchers and Department of Conservation field workers along with volunteers working on conservation programs. The sole hut is located at Sealer's Bay in the northeast, with access by light aircraft or helicopter. The island is closed to casual visitors and unauthorised landing is prohibited.
See also
In Spanish: Isla Codfish para niños
