New Zealand to add extinct species to bird of the century poll to highlight wildlife threat

An illustration of a pair of Huia, a songbird that went extinct in New Zealand in 1907. Photograph: Alamy

New Zealand’s fiercely competitive and often controversial bird of the year competition will be replaced this year by a bird of the century contest that will include extinct species to highlight the threats to native wildlife.

This year five extinct species will be included among the 75 contenders, to bring attention to the pressures facing the natural world. In New Zealand, 82% of birds are threatened with extinction.