Category: Department of Conservation

Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  30 September 2024

Five pairs have each successfully raised a juvenile bird on the Hauraki Gulf island, which is a sanctuary site for the threatened bird. On 1 October the five juveniles will officially be counted in the total national population for the species of just over 500 birds.

Takahē only breed once a year, raising 1–2 chicks. These five hatched in November to December 2023.

Department of Conservation (DOC) and Ngāi Tai Ki Tāmaki play active roles on pest-free Motutapu with staff regularly observing the birds and undertaking a range of conservation work to support takahē and other native species.

“Years of work by many different people on Motutapu, from intensive biosecurity and pest responses, to planting native species, observing and health management, support the takahē to live and breed in a stable environment,” says Kat Lane, DOC Hauraki Gulf Inner Islands Operations Manager.

Auckland Zoo staff bring their specialised skills to the field, supporting the takahē population on island with regular health checks, veterinary support, banding and sexing the juveniles, as part of their mahi for the wider North Island meta-population.

Motutapu is the largest of New Zealand’s 17 sanctuary sites in terms of land area and takahē population. It’s home to 28 takahē including these juveniles, who will remain on island and join the breeding population as they mature.

“You can see the takahē during a trip to Motutapu – they’re often spotted around the causeway between the two islands or at Home Bay. We ask the public to keep a good distance away and not feed them,” adds Kat.

DOC Takahē Recovery Programme Senior Ranger Glen Greaves says the local success is heartening news.

“After a decade of ups and downs, it’s fantastic to see the takahē population on Motutapu flourishing. Five juveniles being raised from five breeding pairs, along with several years of good adult survival, is comparable with the top tier of takahē sanctuary sites and bodes well for the future.”

“Although we know weather can play a big part in the success, we think fewer transfers of takahē to Motutapu has resulted in better population stability, and habitat restoration through years of planting is likely having a positive impact on bird health. This coming breeding season will build on our understanding,” says Glen.

Motutapu has plenty of grasses and sedges for the birds to feed on and areas of native bush provide edge habitat while supporting the overall ground moisture. The island is free from mammal pests – in particular stoats, ferrets and feral cats which pose a risk to the eggs and juveniles.

Glen Greaves says DOC will be working closely with Ngāi Tahu in the South Island and Ngāi Tai ki Tamaki as kaitiaki for Te Motutapu a Taikehu to make the most of the success and align local strategy with wider recovery goals.

“The overarching goal for the Takahē Recovery Programme is to create multiple self-sustaining wild populations, within the historic range of the species. We hope that the success continues so that Motutapu can join other sites in contributing birds to our wild populations, particularly as we look to build on the return of takahē to the Whakatipu in the Greenstone Valley.”

DOC Takahē Recovery is privileged to have the ongoing financial support from our national partner, Fulton Hogan Ltd.

Background information

Takahē chicks are dependent on their parents for at least a year. They’re included in the takahe population figure when they reach a year old. Their peak breeding age is five to 14 and they can live up to 20 years.

Takahē begin breeding in September and continue breeding through the summer months.

DOC and Ngāi Tai Ki Tāmaki have been responding to a rat incursion on Motutapu. Rats are not a known threat to takahē.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  27 September 2024

DOC’s Senior Biodiversity Ranger for Nelson Lakes, Melissa Griffin admits it’s early days, but the signs are looking positive after working with OSPRI to plan a predator control operation prior to the breeding season.

“Seeing eggs and even chicks this early in the breeding season is not unusual, but the big difference is our monitoring shows no sign of rats, stoats or feral cats in the area following the aerial 1080 operation OSPRI did for TB possum control in May.

“We know from experience, when predators visit nests, the adults will abandon their eggs or chicks, which then get eaten. Often there’s no second attempt made to raise chicks for the season.

“The feral cats recorded on our cameras have dropped from 36 before the 1080 operation to nil after, with rats and stoats similarly down to nothing.

“The results so far are positive, but we’ll have to wait until the end of summer to see how successful the breeding season has been for kea, and only long-term monitoring will tell us if the kea population is trending back upwards,” Melissa says.

The kea population around the Wairau/Rainbow valley has taken a big hit since the late 1990s, largely driven by the big peaks in stoat and feral cat numbers that occur following beech seed fall or masts in the forests.

Predators like stoats and feral cats kill adult kea which spend a lot of time foraging on the ground year-round. For the kea population at Nelson Lakes to grow, we need to be protecting adult kea and their nests, Melissa says.

Additional funding since 2021 from the Kea Conservation Trust, World Parrot Trust, New Zealand Parrot Trust, and most recently, the Nelson Ski Club, to purchase more traps and monitoring equipment on the ground around nests has made a real difference, with some well-known pairs of kea breeding successfully over the past three seasons.

That led to 15 juveniles from monitored nests being banded and dispersing from the valley. However, with predators still being detected and relatively low numbers of kea being recorded across the area year-round, there was a need to do more, and on a bigger scale.

Melissa says it’s important that everyone does their part.

“Kea have been seen on the Rainbow Ski Area this winter for the first time in years and everyone there has been doing the right thing – basically ignoring the birds and not leaving food around that would encourage them to scrounge.

“If we can get our community on board with that and continue using all the tools we have available, including regular well timed and landscape-wide predator control, there’s every reason to believe kea numbers will go from strength to strength in Nelson Lakes National Park and surrounds in the future.”

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  26 September 2024

DOC has monitored rock wrens across the South Island for the past five years to see how they fare both with and without predator control using methods like trapping and aerial 1080.

DOC Science Advisor Tristan Rawlence says monitoring shows rock wren numbers are mostly increasing where predators are regularly controlled but gradually declining at unmanaged sites.

“On average, there are more than double the number of rock wrens in areas with predator control compared to areas without,” says Tristan.

“Stoats can be common in alpine areas and we’re increasingly seeing rats in this environment too, possibly due to warmer temperatures.”

Rock wrens hop and flit rather than flying and nest on the ground, making them easy prey for introduced predators like rats and stoats. They are threatened with extinction.

With five years of monitoring data, Tristan says it’s now possible to see which predator control methods are of most benefit to rock wren.

“We’re seeing the best results where we’re using aerial 1080 in the alpine area above the tree line where rock wrens live year-round, and not just in the surrounding forest.

“We’ve also learnt we need to control predators whenever the beech forest seeds, as predator numbers soar in response to more food.”  

Rock wrens live in alpine areas in the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o Te Moana and Kahurangi. They can go into torpor or semi-hibernation (dropping their body temperature and energy needs), an adaptation thought to help them survive harsh winter conditions.

Each summer since 2019, DOC researchers have surveyed for rock wrens at 25 sites ranging from Fiordland to Kahurangi. There are 19 monitoring sites where rock wrens are protected through predator control and six sites where there is no management. Monitoring frequency has now been reduced with sites visited every two years. 

Previous research has shown rock wrens produce 3-5 times as many chicks when predators are controlled. A study in Kahurangi National Park over four years showed 58% of rock wren nests were successful in fledging young following aerial 1080 predator control, while just 13% were successful without.

This monitoring programme is part of DOC’s National Predator Control Programme, which protects the most at-risk wildlife and forests across New Zealand’s public conservation land.

Rock wrens belong to an ancient lineage of New Zealand wrens that once included seven species. Today, only the rock wren and rifleman/titipounamu survive.

Background information

Rock wren populations found in northern and southern areas of the South Island have been found to be genetically distinct. The northern birds are assessed as more threatened (classified ‘Nationally Critical’ under the New Zealand Threat Classification System) than the southern ones (classified ‘Nationally Endangered’).

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  26 September 2024

The lodge is in the William Hartree Memorial Scenic Reserve in Puketitiri. The area is known for its regenerating forest which largely exists through the efforts of dedicated local conservationists.

Kelly Eaton, DOC Heritage and Visitors Project Lead Ranger, says the lodge is an ideal entry-level facility to introduce your family and friends to the bush.

“The lodge sleeps 10 within 3 bunk rooms, with a central living area connecting to a kitchen, toilet and shower room,” says Kelly. “It’s accessible by car and it has power, so it’s great for people who might be dipping their toes into the great outdoors but don’t want the full ‘roughing it’ experience just yet.”

Several short walks are available right outside the door, with more within 30 minutes to 1 hour driving distance. Popular local areas include Little’s Bush, Balls Clearing and the Mangatutu Hot Springs.

William Hartree was a local conservationist, and the reserve and lodge were created in his memory. The lodge itself was built in 1966 by the Junior Wildlife Wardens.

Booking the lodge costs a total of $145 per night.

More details on the history of the lodge, and booking information, can be found on the DOC website.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  25 September 2024

Locals Karen Lombard and Fraser Munroe came across the live sea turtle yesterday and alerted DOC staff member Sarah Dwyer, who sprang into action for the protected species.

“Sea turtles forage around New Zealand but do not nest here. We hear about sightings in the water every summer around Aotea, but their presence on land is normally an indication of poor health. That’s why we don’t try to refloat turtles, but instead take them into care for a medical assessment.

“A huge thank you to Karen and Fraser for their quick response and transporting the turtle to us at the airport. We ensured it was dry, to avoid any further heat loss, and comfortable in a crate. We got it on the first flight to Auckland mainland and into the expert care of Auckland Zoo’s veterinary team,” says Sarah.

“While this hawksbill has no external injuries, it is extremely underweight and remains in a critical condition, so its future remains uncertain,” says Auckland Zoo vet, Dr Adam Naylor.

“We are administering supportive treatments, such as intravenous fluids, and given its low body temperature, slowly and very carefully increasing the water temperature of its tank to the preferred optimal temperature range for this species.”

Rodney Ngawaka, a kaumatua of Ngāti Rehua-Ngātiwai ki Aotea says spring brings in many species, but a turtle is unusual for Aotea.

“We see tohorā (whales), whai repo (rays), manu (birds) all moving into these waters, Te Moananui ō Toi Te Huatahi, through the mauri of our currents and winds during this time of year. These invisible lines guide relationships that are thousands of years old, but it’s unusual to see a honu (turtle). It has possibly come into this beach from the water space of the Waitemata, Tīkapa Moana.

“This taonga is a gift and it’s our responsibility to stay connected to its future.”

If you spot turtles on the beach or see beached whales or dolphins, call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) and follow the advice.

Across the country in spring, DOC receives reports of sick marine animals that come ashore after losing condition over winter.

On Aotea there have been two dead sea turtles found on the shores in the last five years: one hawksbill and one green turtle.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  25 September 2024

DOC freshwater ranger Matt Brady says red-eared slider turtles brumate during winter, meaning they’re sluggish and don’t eat for weeks at a time.

“Brumation is like a half hibernation. When red-eared sliders emerge in spring, looking for food, they’re a serious threat to native freshwater plants and animals.”

Matt says Aotearoa doesn’t have native freshwater turtles so any turtle seen in the wild is an escaped exotic species.

“Red-eared slider turtles can be kept as pets throughout much of the country, but if abandoned, they’re a problem.”

Volunteer leader Jayne Nightingale and a team of volunteers have caught 76 red-eared slider turtles at Cook’s Beach, Coromandel, since 2021. These include turtles caught in a trap provided by Waikato Regional Council as well as those handed in by the community or as bycatch in fishing gear.

“When I first started trapping turtles, I was met with a lot of negativity from the locals. However, with a bit of education, the ecological impacts from invasive turtles have become much better understood.

“The trapping work has been so successful that we think only a couple of the turtles remain at large. We hope to catch them this spring, when they’re more active,” says Jayne.

Matt says the best thing people can do protect native ecosystem from turtles is to report them.

“If you see a turtle in the wild, take a photo and record it on iNaturalist or the Find-A-Pest app. This helps DOC and regional councils to understand where the turtles are, how many there are, and it informs how we manage them.”

If the turtle looks sick, injured or in need of urgent care, contact your local vet or SPCA. If it is safe, put the turtle in a container with wet towels and keep it at home in a cool place until advised what to do next by the SPCA or vet. Take care as turtles can bite.

If you’re struggling to look after your pet turtle, contact the SPCA to find out how they could support you.

Matt also asks anyone considering buying a red-eared slider turtle to do their ‘due diligence’.

“Red-eared sliders can grow to the size of a dinner plate and live for up to 50 years. They have particular habitat needs such as large, heated aquarium or a secure outdoor pond. Taking on a turtle requires 100% commitment.”

Background information

Red-eared slider turtles are native to North America. They can be kept as pets in Aotearoa New Zealand, but are banned from sale in Auckland.

They have an olive green to brown shell patterned with yellow spots or stripes, and a distinctive red stripe behind their eyes. The ‘slider’ part of their name comes from their ability to slide into the water quickly from rocks and logs.

Turtle eggs have to remain at 22–33°C for 55–80 days to hatch into live young. At cooler temperatures, only male turtles are produced. In warmer parts of Aotearoa, turtle eggs can hatch but do not produce female young.

As climate change brings increased temperatures, there is concern that both male and female young will hatch and allow a self-sustaining population to establish in the wild.

Red-eared sliders are listed by the IUCN as one of the 100 worst invasive species. They are regarded as invasive because they damage freshwater ecosystems. In Aotearoa New Zealand, they eat fish, plants, aquatic insects, koura, and small birds including ducklings. Red-eared sliders can also displace wetland bird nesting sites. Their presence in a waterway can reduce water quality.

Releasing turtles into the wild is an offence under the Biosecurity Act and the Animal Welfare Act, and in some regions would breach Regional Pest Management Plans. You could face a fine of $5,000.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  17 September 2024

DOC appreciates the help of the Kawau community in successfully freeing a juvenile pygmy blue whale that had wedged itself underneath a private wharf on Kawau Island on Monday, and is asking the public for sightings of the whale, approximately 14-15 meters in length.

The whale was freed at about 6 pm last night following the removal of several piles from the private Schoolhouse Bay Wharf under which the whale was lodged. DOC staff are grateful for the support of the wharf owners, Bob Nelson and Ross Tebbs. DOC will be repairing the wharf.

From the moment the whale was discovered Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust provided immediate frontline support and resources to support the rescue of the whale. “Tohorā are a taonga species and in these emergency situations it is important we act both quickly, and in accordance with tikanga to ensure its safe release,” says the Trust’s Chair, Mook Hohneck.

Partnering with the Trust was crucial to ensure appropriate mātauranga (knowledge) and kawa (protocol) guided the recovery process.

During the final phase of the operation, DOC staff boarded a Ngāti Manuhiri vessel to help guide the whale, which swam under the barge and made a wide loop around the bay. The whale had some difficulty navigating the other structures in the area. Contractors from Stanaway Marine and STF used their vessels to position themselves between the whale and the shore.

The whale was monitored throughout the operation to dismantle the wharf. It showed a little distress as the barge was brought in but soon returned to normal breathing patterns and stayed calm throughout the process. The whale was last seen swimming into deeper water, and there have been no reports of sightings overnight.

DOC is now urging the public to report any whale sightings, both offshore and along local beaches. Monitoring of the area continues, with Ngāti Manuhiri and DOC staff checking coves around Kawau Island today, and Kawau Cruises keeping a lookout during their trips. Residents and visitors are encouraged to report sightings to 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

Kat Lane, DOC Operations Manager, expressed gratitude for the immense effort from all involved.

“This was a huge collaborative effort, and we couldn’t have done it without the help of the many people on the ground. From Ngāti Manuhiri, Stanaway Marine and STF contractors, and local residents, everyone played their part in this complex operation,” says Kat.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  16 September 2024

The whale was first reported to DOC this morning (16 September 2024).

DOC Operations Manager Kat Lane says that DOC staff, alongside iwi representatives and technical experts, are currently on-site.

“This is a highly unusual situation and we are assessing options to safely free the whale while avoiding putting anyone at risk.

“The whale appears calm and shows no signs of distress, and we will continue to closely monitor the situation.

“Due to the complexities involved, we are collaborating with various specialists and groups to develop a plan aimed at safely freeing the whale.

“DOC is asking residents and visitors to stay away from the area to minimise distress to the whale,” says Kat.

We will provide updates as they are available.

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Source: Department of Conservation

Date:  16 September 2024

The Department of Conservation (DOC) and Te Iwi O Te Roroa are today announcing the awarding of the tender for the reconstruction of the bridge, boardwalk, and viewing platform at Tāne Mahuta to Milton Harward Construction.

This work is part of phase one of ‘Rākau Rangatira’ a partnership project between DOC and Te Iwi O Te Roroa to upgrade both the visitor infrastructure and the visitor experience in Northland’s Waipoua Forest.

Tāne Mahuta Walk to temporarily close

Construction is due to commence on 30 September 2024. While this work is underway access to Tāne Mahuta will be closed for approximately eight weeks in advance of the busy summer season. Kauri Walks (Te Matua Ngahere) will remain open for visitors to enjoy Waipoua.

DOC’s Kauri Coast Operations Manager Stephen Soole says Tāne Mahuta and the other Rākau Rangatira (Chiefly Trees) of Waipoua are at serious risk from the further irreversible spread of kauri dieback disease meaning proactive and sustainable measures are essential.

“DOC is proud to work alongside Te Roroa to replace end-of-life facilities at Tāne Mahuta which are no longer fit for purpose and currently pose risks to the forest and visitors.

“Upgrading these facilities provides a crucial opportunity to enhance protections for Waipoua from Kauri Dieback and increase visitor safety for approximately 200,000 visitors a year,” he says.

Te Iwi O Te Roroa General Manager, Snow Tāne says: “protecting Tāne during construction works is vital and we are pleased to have a contractor specialising in undertaking works in Kauri forests on board.”

“Our Kauri Ora teams will be assisting throughout construction to monitor controls and protection protocols”.

Future phases of work

Future phases of the Rākau Rangatira project aim to upgrade visitor infrastructure and enhance the visitor experience at Waipoua Forest while prioritising forest health.

“In partnership with Te Roroa, we are exploring ambitious and transformative operating models and regenerative tourism options, designed to restore and enhance Waipoua’s natural environment while ensuring a sustainable future,” says DOC’s Stephen Soole.

“Guided walks and a park-and-ride option are two initiatives being explored. If introduced, they will deepen visitors’ connection to culture and nature, increase public safety, minimize environmental impact, and allow visitors to play an active role in contributing to ongoing conservation.”

“Through the development of improved infrastructure, DOC and Te Roroa hope to provide the opportunity for visitors to experience parts of Waipoua that have not previously been accessible such as some of the wetland areas behind Te Matua Ngahere.”

Tāne Mahuta is expected to re-open with renewed assets for visitors to enjoy from end-November 2024.

Background Information

About Tāne Mahuta

Tāne Mahuta currently attracts approximately 200,000 visitors per year and stands 51.5 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of 4.5 meters. It is estimated to be 1,500 years old.

According to Māori mythology, Tāne is the son of Ranginui the sky father and Papatūānuku the earth mother. Tāne was the child who separated his parents’ embrace and then set about clothing his mother in the forest we see today. All living creatures of the forest are regarded as Tāne’s children.

About Kauri Dieback

Phytophthora agathidicida (PA) is a fungus-type pathogen that damages the tree’s root system, reducing its ability to take water and nutrients from the soil. This is sometimes referred to as kauri disease or kauri dieback.

PA could have devastating effects on New Zealand’s kauri forests. It has been found in Northland, Great Barrier Island, and the Coromandel Peninsula. There is no known cure, but we can help reduce its spread by avoiding any movement of soil around the roots of trees. That means making sure we stick to the tracks and have spotlessly clean footwear and any gear that might touch the ground.

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