Auckland shag

Auckland shag
Conservation status
Vulnerable (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Suliformes
Family:	Phalacrocoracidae
Genus:	Leucocarbo
Species:	L. colensoi
Binomial name
Leucocarbo colensoi Buller, 1888
Synonyms
Phalacrocorax colensoi

The Auckland shag (Leucocarbo colensoi) or Auckland Islands shag is a species of cormorant from New Zealand. The species is endemic to the Auckland Islands archipelago. It is a sedentary bird that primarily eats various crustaceans and fish. In recent years, roughly 1,000 pairs have been recorded. The Auckland shag is a colonial nester, building sizeable nests of, among other items, grass, twigs and seaweed. The Auckland shag lays three pale blue-green eggs in November–February. The incubation period is 26–32 days.

The Auckland shag is considered Vulnerable by the IUCN due to its small population size and restricted global range. Only around 2000 Auckland shags exist in their remote habitat.

Some taxonomic authorities, including the International Ornithologists' Union, place this species in the genus Leucocarbo. Others place it in the genus Phalacrocorax.

The binomial name of this bird commemorates the naturalist William Colenso.

Threats[]

Since the Aukland islands has no land mammals, there is not a lot of predators (although Sea lions may attack time to time). But as the capital city (Wilbur) continues growing, there may be some sound pollution. Luckily, Auckland shags are protected in the Auckland islands, so hunting and poaching for these birds are illegal.

References[]

• Shirihai, Hadoram (2002). A Complete Guide to Antarctic Wildlife. Degerby, Finland: Alula Press. ISBN 951-98947-0-5.
• Auckland Islands Shag (Phalacrocorax colensoi) – BirdLife International