Hodgen's Waterhen (Tribonyx hodgenorum)
Posted on 31 December, 1600 in Extinct
Year Last Seen:
1600-1700
Comments:
This species likely became Extinct during the 17th century as a result of predation by rats and hunting by human settlers, although may have survived in remote areas until the 18th century.
Habitat:
Remains were found at widely spread locations on both the North and South Islands of New Zealand, indicating that it was presumably common prior to the arrival of the Polynesians and associated commensal animals. It was likely a forest inhabitant and may have also occurred in riparian swards and open forest glades (Hume 2017).
Causes:
The main reasons for its extinction are likely to have been predation by Polynesian rats, and hunting by human settlers.
Distribution:
Tribonyx hodgenorum is known from subfossil remains on the North and South Islands of New Zealand. It was apparently widespread, but the youngest specimen material dates from the 17th century. However, it may have survived in remote areas until the 18th century (Hume 2017).