The Woodhen : a flightless bird defying extinction

This book tells the amazing success story of saving the flightless Woodhen, a large endemic rail of Lord Howe Island in Australia. This iconic and highly endangered bird was at the very brink of extinction, due to hunting by early explorers and introduced livestock. In 1980 just 15 individuals were found and a captive breeding programme was implemented in a last ditch attempt to save it from disappearing altogether. The book begins with the discovery and origins of Lord Howe Island and its nature. It then details the origins and evolution of the Woodhen, its place among the rails, how they came to be flightless along with the behaviour and breeding ecology. The bulk of the book looks at the planning, implementation and trials, tribulations and successes of the captive breeding program and the way in which the wild population recovered to a population today of approximately 250 birds.  

Book reviewed by Neil Calbrade