Category: Conservation

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  18 September 2023

The first survey in four years has revealed huge growth for the local population of the secretive forest birds thanks to ongoing efforts to control introduced predators using bait stations and aerially applied 1080 bait pellets.

Rotoehu Forest is now home to New Zealand’s second largest mainland kōkako population with 289 pairs of the ancient wattle bird recently counted – an 89% increase on the 157 pairs in 2019.

The survey was done across 19 days in April by a team of seven experienced contractors with some support from volunteers to cover 2,450 hectares of public conservation land.

“This result is significant for the local population of kōkako and for the future of the species,” says Department of Conservation (DOC) Senior Ranger, Rebecca Newland.

Kōkako are a taonga for local iwi – Ngāti Mākino – and they hold a special place in the stories and traditional knowledge of the area.

Ngāti Mākino Iwi Authority is working alongside DOC to help protect kōkako and other native species at Rotoehu Forest.

“Preserving our native kōkako species is deeply rooted in our cultural and spiritual connection to the land and its environment, says Ngāti Mākino Tribal Authority Environmental Manager John Rapana.

“Over the centuries, observation of our kōkako and other manu taonga species resulted in an accumulation of local knowledge about their behaviour, habitat, and seasonal patterns that were observed, contextualised, and appropriated into our cultural stories and practises.

“From an iwi perspective, we are obligated to maintain our poutiaki role with our environment and its inhabitants. We must continue to develop multiple skill sets for our people to be confident and competent to undertake specialised roles to support our manu taonga and its environment.”

DOC will continue to use aerially applied 1080 bait in combination with a ground control programme lead by the local community to help kōkako and other native species in the area to breed. This includes kārearea, riflemen/titipounamu, kereru, bellbird/korimako, whitehead/pōpokatea, North Island robin/toutouwai, tūī, morepork/ruru and bats/pekapeka.

“The biggest threat to kōkako and many other native species is being killed by introduced predators including rats, stoats and possums,” Rebecca says.

“By regularly controlling these threats with a range of tools, native species including plants and insects have a much greater chance of survival. This creates the diversity ecosystems need to thrive.”

The Rotoehu Ecological Trust, which has managed bait stations in the forest since 2013, says the survey result is testament to the hard work of community volunteers and advocates who have strived to protect the forest for decades.

“We pay tribute to all who have gone before us in creating and maintaining the safe spaces in which this kōkako population has thrived,” says Trustee Jane Bird.

“In the late 1980s, protests by members of Forest and Bird Te Puke led to the creation of a protected conservation and ecological area, which was home to the ancestors of the current kōkako population.

“Since that time, many organisations have supported the population, and Rotoehu Ecological Trust/Kōkako Ecosanctuary is very fortunate to be assisting DOC with management of what is now a rapidly expanding kōkako population.”

The Trust hopes to install more bait stations in the forest to provide greater protection for kōkako living outside the 1,367-hectare area its members currently cover.

“We want to eventually cover 2000 hectares. To enable this, we need to secure funding from commercial and/or private sponsorship and we are calling out for help to protect future generations of kōkako,” Jane says. 

There are more than 2000 kōkako breeding pairs in total throughout New Zealand with the population trend continuing to rise in areas with sustained predator control.

The largest mainland population is Pureora Forest (more than 600 pairs) followed by Rotoehu Forest (289 pairs) and the Hunua Ranges (over 250 pairs). Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island also hosts a large population of more than 400 pairs.

Aerial 1080 predator control in Rotoehu Forest is part of DOC’s National Predator Control Programme.  

The programme is protecting the remaining populations of threatened native species while tools continue to be developed to eradicate possums, rats and stoats by 2050.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  15 September 2023

The two weka, thought to be illegally released in the South Taranaki township, flew via Air New Zealand from New Plymouth to Christchurch this morning where they were welcomed to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Representatives from Ngāruahine Iwi supported a karakia to acknowledge their departure from Taranaki. 

In December 2022, Manaia local Peter Andreoli caught a weka in the small town. A second weka was caught nearby by Jenny and Guy Oakley in April.

Although weka are relatively common in the South Island, they’ve not been sighted in Taranaki for decades. DOC rangers were concerned the birds had been illegally released, potentially harming local native wildlife.

DOC’s investigations into how the birds got to Manaia are ongoing.

Both birds were cared for off-display by staff at New Plymouth District Council’s Brooklands Zoo while tests were undertaken, and a decision made on where they would be rehomed.

DNA testing by staff at Massey University showed the birds likely came from the upper South Island.

Releasing them into the wild wasn’t an option says Taranaki DOC Community Ranger Gabriel Field.

“Since a precise location for the bird’s origins could not be determined, we did not want to risk transmission of disease to our existing wild populations, or the potential muddling of weka genes that would not have mixed naturally.”

Thankfully the birds were offered a permanent home at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch.

“Being able to rehome them at Willowbank, and working with conservation partners to achieve that, is a good outcome and brings a nice end to what has been a puzzling little story,” says Gabriel.

“We appreciate all the care taken in looking after the weka by the team at Brooklands Zoo and want to also thank Willowbank Wildlife Reserve for offering them a permanent home.”

Brooklands Zoo Team Lead Eve Cozzi says the keepers enjoy rehabilitating native wildlife but they found that looking after the two weka was a particularly special experience.

“They’re a new species for us and they’re charismatic birds. Both have very different personalities – one is very confident around humans and they each have their own food preferences, love a good bath and investigating (tearing apart) bird-friendly enrichment items. 

“We will miss their distinctive and beautiful calls, but we’re really pleased they’re going to another great facility to be with other weka,” says Eve.

Willowbank Community and Conservation Engagement Manager Shaun Horan says: “Willowbank is delighted to be able to welcome these cheeky native icons back to the mainland of Te Waipounamu, where they will be on display for the public to see”.

“Weka have been a ‘larger than life’ member of the Willowbank family for many years and we are excited to be able to provide a home for these birds here at the reserve.”

Air New Zealand is a national partner with DOC for conservation and has supported DOC to fly more than 4200 threatened species and Conservation Dogs since 2012.

Background information

Records show weka were in Taranaki in 1918 but reported to be gone from the region by 1938. An attempt at reintroducing weka to Mt Taranaki in the 1970s was deemed unsuccessful, with one weka turning up at Port Taranaki and no other confirmed sightings. Unconfirmed sightings of weka were reported on the south side of Mt Taranaki in the early 2000s.

Weka can be disruptive to some fragile or recovering native ecosystems. The birds can have predatory impacts on other fauna, especially burrow-nesting seabirds, ground nesting birds, reptiles, and large invertebrates. If weka were to get on Taranaki Maunga they pose a real risk to the native wildlife while the ecosystems and populations are still in such a recovery phase.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  14 September 2023

Around 100 people gathered to welcome the second batch of translocated kākāpō before they were released into the 3400ha protected forest habitat yesterday afternoon (13 September).

The Department of Conservation and Ngāi Tahu are investigating new habitat for kākāpō in a bid to reduce pressure on predator free islands ahead of future breeding seasons for the ground-dwelling forest parrots.

DOC’s Kākāpō Recovery Operations Manager Deidre Vercoe says the new population at Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari will provide vital data to help support one of the programme’s long-term goals – to return kākāpō to their natural range throughout Aotearoa.

“By monitoring these birds over the next decade or so, we’ll know whether a larger kākāpō population could one day thrive and even breed on this mainland site.

“It’s too soon to know how kākāpō will do here long-term, but so far they seemed to be settling in well,” Deidre says.

“The first four all passed their health checks, and we are happy with how they have adapted to the new habitat. The latest translocation brings the total population to 10 males with a range of ages. This will be important as the younger males learn from the older birds.”

Kākāpō are a taonga species to Ngāi Tahu who are the traditional kaitiaki of the manu.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu kākāpō Species Representative Tāne Davis is optimistic New Zealanders will one day see the manu taonga return to the whenua.

“Our Te Waipounamu forests are quiet without the boom of the kākāpō. Securing a strong population at Maungatautari is just the first step in achieving our shared vision of returning our manu to the mainland of our Ngāi Tahu takiwā.

“To save our kākāpō from extinction we have sent our taonga to our iwi partners, but one day we hope to see Rakiura/Stewart Island and other areas of the mainland predator free, so we can bring their uri (descendants) home.”

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari is a 3400ha fenced sanctuary in the rohe or home territory of iwi Ngāti Koroki Kahukura, Raukawa, Ngāti Hauā, and Waikato.

July’s translocation marked the first time in 40 years kākāpō had lived on the mainland of New Zealand.

Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari Biodiversity Team Leader Dr Janelle Ward says having a further six kākāpō joining the sanctuary is incredibly special and a testament to the work put in by the community.

After the July release, the first four kākāpō spent time exploring and getting to know their new terrain, Janelle says.

“The first month of monitoring the four males at Maungatautari showed they have explored large areas of the maunga, including interacting with the fence, which underwent significant kākāpō-proofing for these excellent climbers.”

Co-chair of the Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust Board and representative of Ngāti Koroki Kahukura Norma Taute says it is a privilege to receive a further six taonga kākāpō so soon after the July transfer.

“We are very hopeful that with our combined efforts from all iwi, our community, landowners, council, DOC, and of course the attentive staff and volunteers on Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, we are providing kākāpō with the very best advantage to thrive.”

DOC’s Kākāpō Recovery Programme has been supported since 2016 by National Partner Meridian Energy, which provides funding as well as electrical infrastructure, technology and volunteering support to the programme.

Kākāpō Elwin, Kanawera, Manawanui, Tautahi, Taeatanga and Manaaki joined Bunker, Ōtepoti, Motupōhue and Māhutonga on the maunga yesterday.

The kākāpō came off Whenua Hou/Codfish Island, Pukenui/Anchor Island and Te Kākahu-o-Tamatea/Chalky Island and were transported from Invercargill to Rotorua by Air New Zealand.

Background information

Kākāpō are masters at camouflage, so it is very unlikely visitors to the sanctuary will come across them.

Kākāpō last lived on mainland New Zealand in 1980s – the remnant of a small group of wild birds found living in Fiordland in the 1970s.

The last time they were present on the North Island was in the 1960s when five birds were in captivity at Pukaha/Mt Bruce.  

Until now, kākāpō were only present on four offshore islands: Pukenui/Anchor Island and Te Kākahu-o-Tamatea/Chalky Island in Fiordland, Whenua Hou/Codfish Island and Pearl Island near Rakiura/Stewart Island.

The 10 kākāpō are all males and will not yet breed at Maungatautari: the main focus is learning what types of new habitat outside of the established offshore islands kākāpō can live in.

The current total kākāpō population is 247.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  13 September 2023

DOC staff in Coromandel are urging the local community to respect a rāhui and adhere to warnings after a Hahei resident used social media to explain how they reached Cathedral Cove using a closed and damaged track.

Nick Kelly, DOC’s Coromandel Operations Manager, says his team were alerted to a post in a local community Facebook group in which the person described using the damaged track at the site, before they leapt two metres from a rock face to reach the beach itself.

The person’s Facebook post explained the need to climb under or over a temporary fence DOC staff have installed to discourage visitors from using the track. The person went on to say accessing the beach is “not easy”, taking a rope would be helpful, and posted pictures of the damaged track.

DOC staff contacted administrators for the community Facebook group, who promptly removed the post.

Nick says having a member of local community actively explaining how to access the cove on foot, via closed a track, directly contradicts DOC’s clear and well-publicised advice, and disrespects a rāhui placed by Ngāti Hei.

“We understand people are frustrated and may not agree with the decision we’ve taken,” he says.

“But this Facebook post demonstrated behaviour we are actively discouraging. By visiting the cove on foot people put themselves at risk, and if they get into trouble it puts emergency services personnel at risk too.”

Nick says the rāhui in place at Cathedral Cove is also to ensure the safety of manuhiri (visitors), a sentiment Ngāti Hei has expressed on several occasions.

“We do not want people to get hurt, it’s really that simple,” Nick says.

“The health and safety risk is one of the main reasons we won’t be reinstating the track this summer. We want to come up with long-term resilient solutions in a coastal area which will continue to be impacted by climate change.”

Visitors will soon be able to access Cathedral Cove from the adjacent Te Whanganui-o-Hei Marine Reserve, either on private vessels or craft, or with a commercial operator. DOC staff are in the final stages of arranging signage and working with commercial operators on health and safety plans.

Anyone planning to visit the cove from the sea is urged to fully inform themselves of the risk before visiting, and check weather and sea conditions.

DOC has committed to keeping the community updated as it works on future options for the cove, before undertaking engagement activity. Residents and business owners can sign up to receive a digital newsletter by emailing cathedralcove@doc.govt.nz.

Background information

• Cathedral Cove was significantly impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle in summer 2022-23.
• In August, after obtaining independent advice in the form of a Landslide Risk Assessment, DOC announced it would not reinstate the tracks to the popular beach for summer 2023-24.
• Landslides and rockfall are known and ongoing risks at the beach.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  11 September 2023

The kiwi, found collapsed and paralysed at the bottom of a cliff, was reported to the Department of Conservation by a member of the public on 15 August. After an overnight stay at a Warkworth vet clinic, the bird was transferred to Auckland Zoo’s veterinary hospital.

Dr An Pas, Auckland Zoo’s senior veterinarian, says, “Unfortunately, this was a critically ill kiwi, and despite intensive treatment and all our best efforts, it continued to deteriorate, making euthanasia the kindest and only option.

“Histolopathology results confirmed the presence of traumatic injuries to the kidneys and liver, as well as underlying diseases in the intestine, lungs, liver and heart. The exact cause of the trauma remains unknown. Nevertheless, the loss of the animal serves as a reminder to all of us to take care and reduce any disturbance that may pose a threat to vulnerable wildlife.”

It is suspected the kiwi came into the Omaha area from the Tāwharanui Regional Park. It was not one of the kiwi released by the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust and the Tamahanga Trappers in March 2023, as these kiwi were microchipped and had transmitters attached.

Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, who are the mana whenua and mandated iwi authority for Omaha, were notified immediately.

Mook Hohneck, Chairman for the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust, says, “This incident serves as a moving reminder of the vital importance of preserving and protecting our native wildlife, as they are not only the guardians of our land but also the carriers of our rich heritage.

“In this reflective moment, we recommit ourselves to ensuring that the silence left by the kiwi’s absence does not become a recurring event, so that future generations may continue to cherish this precious taonga.”

David Wilson, Tamahunga Trappers Chairperson, says, “The release of kiwi at Tamahunga adds to the kiwi population in Rodney. It also brings kiwi into areas where there are dogs, cats, vehicles and other threats within human control. The Tamahunga Trappers and our partners work hard to protect the kiwi now that they are back in our neighbourhood. Ultimately it is up to the public to decide, by their actions, if kiwi will have a future here.”

Rebecca Rush, Auckland Mainland Operations Manager, says the privilege of having wildlife thriving nearby comes with a responsibility to protect them.

“The discovery of this kiwi is a wakeup call that special wildlife species are living quite close to people in parts of Auckland. It is a strong reminder to keep pets under control and home at night, drive carefully around coastlines and forest roads, and be conscious about the wildlife living on our doorstep.”

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  11 September 2023

In one recent incident at Auckland’s Muriwai beach, a group of people filmed themselves riding a dead great white shark being towed behind a 4WD, before the animal’s severed head was worn by one of the individuals involved.

DOC investigated the group, after they shared the footage to social media, and issued two people involved with infringement notices.

Other incidents recorded in the last 18 months have included the beheading of two different fur seals, a decapitated penguin and several red knots (migrant shorebirds) with their heads removed and their bodies left abandoned on beaches.

Dylan Swain, DOC’s Investigations Team Leader, says the incidents are grotesque and barbaric – and breach several pieces of conservation legislation DOC administers.

“Even a dead native animal is protected by the Wildlife Act, as we saw with the shark head case,” he says.

Advice from DOC science staff who’ve seen the images is the decapitations are the result of human actions – and not predation by another species.

“In a couple of incidents, the heads of these animals have been removed with some sort of implement. There are no teeth or bite marks or signs the animals have been attacked by another species.”

Although DOC staff acknowledge some of the animals may have been discovered dead on the beach – there is still no acceptable justification for removing the animals’ heads.

“It’s not acceptable for people to tamper with deceased animals, and it’s illegal to remove a protected species’ head to have it as some sort of trophy.”

“If you find a dead native animal on a beach, please leave it alone and call 0800 DOC HOT, so our staff can attend.”

Anyone with information on the decapitation of protected native animals – whether it’s eye-witness reports of incidents, or other potentially valuable evidence – can also call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468), or email wildlifecrime@doc.govt.nz.

DOC has a range of enforcement tools available for punishment of wildlife crimes, including fines, infringements or a prosecution through the courts which can lead to a jail sentence.

In recent weeks DOC has publicised other incidents of harm to seals and sea lions. In late August an unrestrained dog was seen with a young seal in its mouth on a Wellington beach, while a well-known adult female sea lion was shot dead near Dunedin.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  08 September 2023

An elusive colony of Southern lesser short-tailed bats appears to be holding steady with the population estimated between 300 and 400 individuals.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) has recently completed the annual monitoring of the Murchison Mountains, Fiordland population, which was first discovered in 2018 using acoustic recorders.

DOC Ranger Warren Simpson says it is great to get more information on the status of this species.

“There are only three populations of southern lesser short-tailed bats we know of across all New Zealand,” he says.

“Bats are extremely vulnerable to predation by introduced predators like stoats, rats, feral cats and possums. They are only found in areas where there is intensive, regular predator control like the Eglinton Valley, or predator free offshore islands.”

In the Murchison Mountains there is large-scale control for stoats, but not rats, so the bat population is still quite vulnerable, Warren says.

An annual monitoring programme was established in 2022 thanks to a partnership with Te Anau-based Contract Wild Animal Control New Zealand Limited (CWAC NZL).

“This DOC/CWAC NZL partnership allows us to increase our understanding of the bat population density and distribution, providing tangible benefits to the conservation of New Zealand’s bat species,” Warren says.

“New Zealand’s short-tailed bat/pekapeka is unusual among bat species due to not only hunting on the wing, but also foraging on the ground using smell and their keen sense of hearing to locate prey as they scurry about the forest floor on all four limbs.

”They forage like little pigs rooting around in the leaf litter.   

“This unusual foraging strategy was only viable to evolve in bats due to New Zealand’s lack of mammalian predators prior to their introduction by humans.

“The more we know about them, the better we’ll be able to protect them.”

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  07 September 2023

The two-year-old sea lion was found by a member of the public on the harbour side of Aramoana Beach on Wednesday 30 August. Necropsy results show she had been shot.

This female sea lion was born in Aramoana on New Year’s Day in 2021 and was well known to the local community.

DOC Operations Manager for Coastal Otago Gabe Davies says this is an upsetting and horrific find.

“New Zealand sea lions are among the rarest sea lion species in the world and it’s a privilege to share our coastlines with them.

“They’re classified as ‘Nationally Vulnerable’ and protected – and a taonga species for Ngāi Tahu. They should be able to live in their natural habitat without the threat of human aggression and violence.”

The loss of this sea lion was all the more disappointing given she had not yet had a chance to breed and help grow the vulnerable Otago population.

“There are currently only 30 breeding-age females on the Otago Peninsula. Last year, we had 21 pups born; of these only five  females survived. Females who survive to breeding age, which is around four years old, are very precious, and this sea lion was well on her way there.

“This event is particularly devastating for the community and the people who closely monitor the local population and have followed this sea lion’s life journey closely.”

DOC, alongside mana whenua, Fisheries NZ, conservation groups, and the community are currently reviewing the Sea Lion Threat Management Plan (TMP). A clear objective of the TMP is to prevent any intentional acts of harm to sea lions.

New Zealand Sea Lion Trust co-chair Shaun McConkey says the whole situation is heartbreaking and was completely unnecessary.

“Coastal communities in Otago have really begun to understand and embrace the natural return of sea lions to our shores in recent years. Awareness and appreciation have been growing, so it’s hugely disappointing that there are still individuals out there undermining that work.”

Te Rūnanga ō Ōtākou Manager Nadia Wesley-Smith says to think someone may have intentionally maimed this pakake is absolutely devastating.

“Sea lions have always been here in the harbour beaches, though in small numbers in recent times. Individual losses such as this represent the absence of future generations.”

It’s an offence under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 to disturb, harass, harm, injure or kill a New Zealand sea lion, people could face imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years, a fine not exceeding $250,000, or both.

Anyone who has any information is encouraged to contact 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).     

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  07 September 2023

The Waipapa South kōkako survey, carried out in May 2023 by a team of 5 surveyors, covered 1250 hectares across 48 surveyor days.

The survey is the focus of a new report which has revealed 124 pairs of kōkako over the survey area – up from 87 pairs in the same area in 2015.

Comparisons between the two surveys reveal an average annual growth rate of 4% in the Waipapa South kōkako population over eight years.

The survey estimated 238 kōkako pairs in the wider Waipapa area, which brings the estimated number of kōkako pairs in pest control areas in Northern Pureora to 672 pairs.

DOC’s Kōkako Recovery Group leader Rhys Burns says the increase in the birds’ population is further evidence of the value of ongoing pest control over 30 years.

“DOC carries out ground pest control operations at Waipapa, targeting rats, one of the primary nest predators of kōkako,” Rhys says.  

“This is complemented by ground control operations in other parts of Northern Pureora undertaken by Howick Tramping Club, Auckland Tramping Club and Pirongia te Aroaro-o-Kahu Restoration Society.  

“Together these pest control operations cover approximately 5730 ha of the forest – protecting the habitat the kōkako thrive in.”

Ground-based predator control is complemented by DOC’s National Predator Control Programme which delivers aerial 1080 operations – every three to six years – to target rats, possums and stoats over the wider 30,000ha Northern Pureora Forest.

Rhys says the combination of predator control efforts means the Northern Pureora Forest is now home to an estimated 25% of New Zealand’s total kōkako population.

“The latest population estimate at Northern Pureora is the largest population recorded nationally since the kōkako recovery programme was started in the 1990s.”

“The increasing Pureora population now also makes it more likely to be resilient to other more random factors such as major storms or a disease outbreak,” Rhys says.

Continued pest control will ensure the kōkako population continues to increase, with numbers starting to get towards densities that were probably last present at this site in the 1950s or 1960s.

“The recovery of kōkako is a glimpse of what these forests used to be like before introduced mammalian predators arrived, and what it could be again in other forests if New Zealand can achieve widespread suppression or even eradication of mammalian pests in coming decades,” Rhys says.

Graham Kimber, DOC’s Maniapoto Operations Manager, says recovery of the kōkako population in Pureora is an important conservation success story for the area.

“Our team, working alongside mana whenua and our supporters, has put in a long-term effort to support kōkako in our district.

“There has been a lot of hard work on the ground to deliver this result.

“Hearing kōkako in the Pureora Forest is a really special experience and long-term recovery work means more people can enjoy the bird’s song.”

The 2023 Waipapa South block survey was undertaken by a team of between three and five surveyors, whose work involved walking grid transects between dawn and noon. Kōkako recordings were played at 200-metre intervals to illicit responses from the birds.

Kōkako are classed as “Threatened – Nationally Increasing”, a classification that reflects their decline in extinction risk compared to previous decades, due to the combined effects of minimising habitat loss and controlling predators over their current 26 known populations.

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