Foveaux Shag

Mapo is an endemic shag of Foveaux Strait and Rakiura/Stewart Island, occurring in pied and bronze-dark plumage forms. It is a large, heavy shag with pink feet and either black-and-white or glossy bronze plumage. Otago shag is extremely similar but occupies the Otago coast rather than Foveaux Strait.

The species is restricted to Foveaux Strait, islands around Rakiura and nearby Southland coasts. Mapo dive for bottom fish and invertebrates and nest on rocky islands, cliffs and stacks.

Foveaux shag is Threatened — Nationally Vulnerable (NZ Threat Classification). Set nets, colony disturbance and a small geographic range are key threats. Bluff, Foveaux Strait and boat routes around Rakiura provide the most dependable sightings.