Organisers of an annual study looking at kererū numbers are appealing for as many people in rural areas to take part.
The annual 'Great Kererū Count' asks New Zealanders to take note of the pigeons around them, enter their findings, and create a nationwide picture of where the native birds are living.
Kererū are known as the gardeners-of-the-skies and play a crucial role in dispersing seeds of large native trees like tawa, taraire and matai.
Previous years' surveys have built up a picture of where the birds are found in urban areas, however more data is needed for the rest of New Zealand.
"We know less about what is happening to kererū in rural areas so we are really hoping that rural Kiwis will get out and help us this year," WWF New Zealand Livia Chief Executive Esterhazy told the AM Show.
"We are hoping the rural sector will get alot more involved this year," she said.
The annual count runs from Friday 21 September until Sunday 30 September.
Registrations and more information is available at www.greatkererucount.nz
Newshub.
