Photo by Don Merton, © 1998. All rights reserved.
The Black Robin

            At one time, the Chatham Islands Black Robin was the most endangered bird species on earth. Due to predation and habitat destruction, the remaining five individuals - with only one breeding pair - were restricted to a tiny islet in the Chatham Islands off the east coast of New Zealand. In 1980 the situation was desperate. Only a heroic and costly effort would prevent this small bird from vanishing forever. Don Merton (an ESRC Charter Member) of the New Zealand Wildlife Service planned and led a remarkable project to save the species. Using a variety of novel and untested techniques, Merton's team succeeded and the Black Robin's future now looks secure with several hundred individuals. More importantly, this gratifying recovery demonstrated to the world that with perseverance and ingenuity, even species teetering on the brink of extinction can likely be saved. The story of the Black Robin is an inspiration to all who care about saving endangered species.