WHY THE BANDED DOTTEREL NEEDS HELP

The banded dotterel, also known as the tūturiwhatu, was once as common as a sparrow. But its status is now threatened, with only about 2500 birds throughout the country, mainly in coastal areas. Their nests are often destroyed by predators such as hedgehogs, cats, and careless beachgoers. The couple encourages people using the beach to obey conservation signs. They’re there for a reason — to protect the species, which is not used to modern predators.