RICHARD HENRY

Richard Henry is one of New Zealand’s earliest conservationists. In 1894 Henry became the curator of Resolution Island in Dusky Sound, Fiordland, and over the next fourteen years transported native flightless birds from the mainland to the island. He endured many difficulties in his tenure, including the disruptions to his work caused by sealers and hunters, and for much of the time lived alone in a very remote environment. Henry kept extensive notes on his interactions with and observations of wildlife. He carefully documented both the biology of threatened birds such as the Kakapo, Kaka and Kiwi, and the impact on the bird colonies by newly introduced species such as stoats and weasels. He was charmed by the character and intelligence of the birds, and had a great compassion and respect for them. This is illustrated in many instances in his writing: “I have a tin whistle & sometimes play it outside of an evening – if the sandflies let me - & some kakas will often come after their dinner & take the nearest seats they can get. Then they will consult each other about what they think of it & pass all sorts of remarks which I do not understand but I think is their general approval though I am not much of a player. And thus nearly every wild thing has curiosity enough to bring it near; and it is only those well acquainted with man that have discarded such a dangerous and bad habit.” 1 Sadly, Henry was unable to protect the birds from the encroachment of rats and introduced predators, and the intrusion of hunters and dogs. By the early 1900’s it was clear that the bird colonies that Henry had established were disappearing, and a Wildlife Service survey later in the 1980’s of Resolution and other islands in Dusky Sound confirmed that no Kakapo had survived there. There are currently 86 Kakapo left in New Zealand, all in managed environments, and Kaka and Kiwi populations are monitored. Today, conservation of many native birds involves their relocation to predator-free islands just as Henry had attempted 100 years ago. Henry’s written notes, observations and articles about native birds provide an invaluable and engaging body of research for contemporary conservationists. The oldest and only surviving Fiordland kakapo is named Richard Henry in his honour.

Nicola Farquhar, May 2007
Tamaki Makau Rau/Auckland
Aotearoa/New Zealand

1. Page 245, Richard Henry of Resolution Island, Susanne
and John Hilll. John McIndoe, 1987.
Reference:
Hill, Susanne and John, Richard Henry of Resolution Island,
John McIndoe. 1987.
Henry, R. The Habits of the Flightless Birds of New Zealand;
With Notes on Other New Zealand Birds. Government
Printer: Wellington. 1903.