New Zealand Rifleman - Threats and Conservation
'Watchful'
Watchful
Image size: 430x320mm
Original Available: Yes
Image size: 430x320mm
Original Available: Yes
The rifleman is endemic to New Zealand and is its smallest bird. It is a forest-dwelling insectivore which is constantly on the move, producing a characteristic ‘wing-flicking’ while moving through the canopy and foraging up and down tree trunks.
It isn’t endangered yet, but it is declining. The cause is considered likely to be related to habitat clearance initially, compounded by the impacts of introduced pest species, particularly stoats.
This painting features the rifleman looking for insects on the bark of a kauri tree. It is called ‘watchful’ to convey the bird’s alert attention to both food and danger, as well as to express the close observation of its declining conservation status.
Learn more about the Rifleman and conversation efforts at the Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary.
It isn’t endangered yet, but it is declining. The cause is considered likely to be related to habitat clearance initially, compounded by the impacts of introduced pest species, particularly stoats.
This painting features the rifleman looking for insects on the bark of a kauri tree. It is called ‘watchful’ to convey the bird’s alert attention to both food and danger, as well as to express the close observation of its declining conservation status.
Learn more about the Rifleman and conversation efforts at the Tiritiri Matangi Open Sanctuary.