{
  "id": 8843353,
  "title": "Weltweite Abstimmung: Piepmatz mit Krone: Karure ist Neuseelands Vogel des Jahres",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/weltweite-abstimmung-piepmatz-mit-krone-karure-ist-neuseelands-vogel",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-09-21T04:17:45.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Handelsblatt",
    "slug": "handelsblatt",
    "url": "https://www.handelsblatt.com/technik/forschung-innovation/weltweite-abstimmung-piepmatz-mit-krone-karure-ist-neuseelands-vogel-des-jahres/100256064.html"
  },
  "original_language": "de",
  "account": "In a global vote to select the Bird of the Year, New Zealand's Black Robin, known locally as the Karure, emerged as the winner, outshining all competitors. Half a century ago, this black bird was on the brink of extinction; now, it has plenty of reason to chirp. With around 25,000 votes, it triumphed over dozens of feathered contenders. Over 105,000 people from around the world participated in this popular international vote, held annually by the conservation organization Forest and Bird since 2005. They chose from over 70 species.\n\nThe Karure outvoted the popular Kakapo, a flightless parrot, and the Karearea, the New Zealand falcon. The vote aims to bring attention to the threats faced by New Zealand's iconic bird species every year. The success of the Karure extends beyond an entertaining internet poll; it represents one of the major conservation success stories. In 1980, only five individuals of the species existed, with just one fertile female. Through the efforts of just one breeding pair, Old Blue and Old Yellow, the population has been revived. Today, around 350 adult Karures reside on two islands protected from introduced predators, located off the coast of New Zealand.\n\nThe vote combines wildlife conservation with a lighthearted \"election campaign.\" The dedication to specific birds during the two-week voting period has become a cultural phenomenon, complete with memes, costumes, and extensive online chatter. However, says Forest and Bird spokesperson Rebecca Hatch, \"there's a serious message behind it.\" Eight of the top ten most popular species are facing significant danger, she adds.",
  "summary": "In einem weltweiten Wettstreit hat sich der einst fast ausgestorbene Karure in Neuseeland den Titel „Bird of the Year“ gesichert. Wie kaum ein anderer steht der Vogel für die Wiedergeburt einer Art.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}