The main population in Fiordland numbered more than 150 individuals in 1994, with around 40 birds in the four introduced island groups. The species is sedentary, holding territories from October to May, and is monogamous, breeding in family groups.
Clutch size is one to three, the eggs are pale buff with irregular blotches of mauve and brown.
Formerly widespread on both the North and South Islands. Stoats have also been trapped. Egg manipulation, captive breeding and releases has been undertaken. Scientists at Otago University are attempting to persuade female Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio , a common relative of the Takahe, to foster Takahe young. There are plans to increase the number of Takahe within the island reserves through further translocations and introductions.