Description of a new subspecies of Coenocorypha snipe from subantarctic Campbell Island, New Zealand

Researchers have identified and described a new subspecies of Coenocorypha snipe from Campbell Island, part of the New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands. This discovery was facilitated by the eradication of Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) from 11,268 hectares of Campbell Island in 2001, which allowed the snipe to recolonize the main island from rat-free Jacquemart Island, where it had been confined for approximately 170 years. Genetic analysis, plumage descriptions, and measurements from 12 adults and 5 chicks caught on Campbell Island in January 2006 confirmed this subspecies as distinct within the Coenocorypha aucklandica species group, which is now recognized to include populations from the subantarctic Auckland, Antipodes, and Campbell Islands. This finding highlights the impact of invasive species eradication on biodiversity recovery and the importance of genetic studies in taxonomy.

Miskelly, C. M., & Baker, A. J. (2010). Description of a new subspecies of Coenocorypha snipe from subantarctic Campbell Island, New Zealand. Notornis, 56(3), 113. https://doi.org/10.63172/883299mqhyhb