Dr Rawlence co-authored a study last year that showed the Stewart Island shag was in fact two species of birds, the Foveaux shag and the Otago shag. That Sumpter Wharf colony is the largest colony in North Otago and one of the most important ones,'' he said. ''For the Otago shag, there is no conservation management strategy for that species. And you're looking at, in terms of genetic variation and threats to the species, the Otago shag is very similar to a kakapo and a takahe. Sumpter Wharf, if left untouched, would fall into the sea anyway.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 28, 2017 17:48 UTC