Number 36 April 2000 RARE BITS THE NEWSLETTER ABOUT THREATENED SPECIES WORK

This newsletter is produced FEATURE ARTICLE primarily as a vehicle for information exchange between departmental staff Hope for greater short-tailed bats involved in threatened species recovery and from Colin O’Donnell ecological restoration Putauhinu Island was surveyed for Following discussions and approval by programmes. In recognition of wider interest, however, pekapeka (bats) in November 1999. Two the Rakiura Titi Islands Administrative “Rare Bits” is also provided Mystacina-like echolocation calls were Body, and the Putauhinu birders, a DoC to non-departmental groups detected from rata forest in the central team consisting of Pete McClelland, Brian on request. The newsletter’s island. The species still needs to be Rance, Lyne McFarlane, and myself informal style may confirmed, but there is a good chance visited the island in early November 1999 occasionally lead to that the calls heard were those of the accompanied by whanau members Tane misunderstandings for some of those readers. Views greater short-tailed bat, which is thought Davis and John Lee. expressed by the authors are to be extinct. Automatic bat detector units were set up not necessarily those of the The southern Titi islands off southern at 20 locations spread over the northern Department of Stewart Island once supported populations half of Putauhinu. The ‘Batbox III’ Conservation. of greater short-tailed bats (Mystacina detectors were set at a variety of robusta) and lesser short-tailed bats (M. frequencies (25, 28 & 40 kHz) to tuberculata). Both were thought to have maximise the chances of recording bats. disappeared following the arrival of ship Loudest calls of long-tailed bats are at rats in the 1960s on Taukihepa and 40 kHz and lesser short-tailed bats at 27- CONTENTS Solomon Islands. These islands were the 28 kHz. No-one knows what frequencies FEATURE ARTICLE Hope for greater last known locations for the greater short- greater short-tailed bats call at. However, short-tailed bats 1 tailed bat in New Zealand. it is possible to predict call-characteristics SPECIES ROUNDUP In May 1998 Christine Hunter and Henrik from the wing morphology in bats. The Mistletoes 3 Moller of the Otago University Zoology larger size and longer, narrower wings Kokako 5 Department team studying titi of greater short-tailed bats suggest the CONSERVANCY NEWS Northland 7 (muttonbird) on Putauhinu sighted a bat frequency of the loudest part of the call Auckland 8 on the manu of the Davis whanau. Matt might be lower than lesser short-tailed Waikato 8 Chartris made a second observation in bats, and that the pulses might be slower. Bay of Plenty 9 April 1999 in the same area. On both An ‘Anabat’ detector was used as well. East Coast/Hawke’s Bay 10 occasions the bats were flying out over This detector ‘listens’ on all frequencies Tongariro/Taupo 11 Wanganui 12 coastal rocks just beyond the tupare- at once, so had the best opportunity to Wellington 13 titi-a-weka forest. The sightings were determine at what frequency the bats Nelson/Marlborough 16 very important because they may have might be calling. West Coast 17 been the greater short-tailed bat. Six mistnets were erected each night Otago 19 Putauhinu was cleared of rats (kiore) along the Arch Track to Penicotts and in Southland 20 over 2 years ago. Jane’s Gully. Nets were opened after OTHER BITS Restoration Resumé 22 dark, once the majority of titi had landed, survey was conducted during ideal, and were kept open to about 0100 hours. warm conditions. On Whenua Hou, Bird squeakers were used to attract bats where lesser short-tailed bats are (these have been very effective on abundant, a similar survey would have Whenua Hou). recorded many bat passes on the We obtained 20 full nights of recording detectors and probably would have over 3 nights. Conditions were warm on caught many bats. the first 2 nights (13-16oC) and very It is possible that Putauhinu bats are not suitable for recording bats. The third resident on the island, but move between night was cooler with some drizzle. Titi all the Titi islands. New Zealand bats are and kori calls interfered with the very mobile. It is nothing for them to fly recordings but the majority of recorders 20-40 km a night and straight-line worked for most of the night through to movements of up to 22 km have been 0400-0500 hours in the morning. recorded. Therefore, the 1-2 km between Two clear Mystacina-like sonar passes some of the islands would present no were detected, both at 25 kHz, indicating obstacle to the bats - at least in fine that bats are still present on Putauhinu. weather. No bats were caught in 41 net-hours on Putauhinu is large enough to support a 3 nights. Confirmation of the species small population of bats. Two central present, and whether there is a resident valleys on the island contain rata- population of bats is still required. dominant forest. Trees are up to 15 m However, there is a good chance that tall and up to 80 cm in diameter. Rata the calls heard were those of the greater have numerous cavities that would be short-tailed bat, which is thought to be suitable for small groups of bats. The extinct. The calls recorded were slower tupare-titi-a-weka forest had few trees and sounded different to typical lesser but is diverse, with abundant insects, short-tailed bat calls, and they were especially weta and scarab beetles, which detected on 25 kHz but not on an are favourite foods of Mystacina bats. adjacent detectors set on 28 kHz. Sea caves on the north and west of the The fact that only two calls were heard island could potentially hold roosting and no bats were caught implies that bat bats (as was the case on Taukihepa and numbers on Putauhinu are very low. The Solomon Island).

RARE BITS No. 36. April 2000 2 SPECIES ROUNDUP This is the first issue of Rare Bits to site. Bellbirds were observed to visit the include ‘Species Roundup’. Its purpose flowers and are likely to be the principal is to collate information on commonly pollinator. This is the northern most reported species so that people can learn population of Alepis known so far. what’s happening with these species Peraxilla tetrapetala are also monitored nationwide. Reaction to this new section in the Mainland Island, and the Alepis will has been favourable so we will include join that species as a good indicator of the it regularly. Please direct any comments effectiveness of the possum management to the editor. The focal species will being undertaken at the site. change with each issue. This time it’s A single specimen of Alepis flavida was mistletoes and kokako. found by Lena Alness, a Swedish volunteer with the Tongariro/Taupo MISTLETOES Conservancy forest monitoring crew. The from Bec Stanley (Auckland), Paul monitoring crew was undertaking regular Cashmore (Bay of Plenty), Dave mistletoe health monitoring of an King (Tongariro/Taupo), Garry unprotected Peraxilla tetrapetala Foster, Dick Gill, Aalbert Rebergen, population in the southern Kaimanawa John Sawyer, and Tony Silberry Forest Park near the Ecology Stream/ (Wellington) Rangatikei River junction. This is an What’s New important find for the North Island’s most We now know at least 1 leafy mistletoe uncommon Loranthaceous mistletoe. remains on Great Barrier Island! Ileostylus In December white mistletoe, Tupeia micranthus was confirmed as present on antarctica, was found growing on Great Barrier after two reports from locals putaputaweta (Carpodetus serratus) at (one on private land, and one on DoC Ketetahi in Tongariro National Park managed land) were followed up. during the establishment of forest health Trilepidea adamsii (now considered monitoring plots. This is a new record extinct over the whole country) was for the national park and the ecological recorded on Great Barrier in the past, district. Further to this December find, but no other leafy mistletoes were known hundreds were found in January on until now. It’s more a surprise to us that another monitoring line in the same this mistletoe hasn’t been recorded here forest, some plants even occurred within before, than that it has been discovered. the 20 x 20 m forest plots. Most of the Great Barrier should be a mistletoe haven plants were heavily browsed. This – with no possums and plenty of habitat. species will now be used as an indicator We’ll keep looking for more Ileostylus, of forest health for an upcoming possum as well as Peraxilla tetrapetala (once control operation. widespread in Auckland Conservancy Two more Peraxilla colensoi plants have and now only on Little Barrier). been discovered in Tararua Forest Park. A new population of Alepis flavida has Trevor Thompson (Conservation Corps been discovered in the Northern Te leader) discovered one in the Blue Urewera Mainland Island. Seven plants Range. A Botanical Society member were initially located on red beech discovered the second at Holdsworth. (Nothofagus fusca) with more expected. Two more P. tetrapetala were discovered Some plants were approaching a meter by each of the above individuals as well. in diameter and are obviously benefiting Nearly all of the above plants have now from the years of possum control at the been banded.

RARE BITS No. 36. April 2000 3 SPECIES ROUNDUP Surveys and monitoring update colour morphs were seen, yellow-orange A survey of Korthasella salicornioides and red. The yellow-orange form is the (dwarf mistletoe) in the geothermal area common form at Rangataua while the in Te Kopia Scenic Reserve has been red colour was first seen this year. Only carried out with the population estimated the red form is known from Kaimanawa at 100-200 plants. They are highly Forest Park. localised along about 15 m of the reserve In Kaimanawa Forest Park approximately boundary. 40 new hosts were found, of which about The annual Peraxilla survey was half could be banded. The health of the undertaken in Whirinaki in January. mistletoe here was more variable with Flowering appeared to be later this year some plants heavily browsed while than the previous season so plants were others appeared untouched and were not very visible, and only known plants flowering well. were monitored. We did not look for new For the second year running this summer, plants as planned, but 2 new plants were plant health (using Foliar Browse discovered. Most of the plants are Index methodology) and pollination Peraxilla colensoi. monitoring of Peraxilla tetrapetala was At Omori-Pukawa, mistletoe surveying undertaken within a dense mistletoe and possum browse monitoring occurred population in mountain beech forest at throughout several adjoining reserves. Rangataua Conservation Area. Monitoring Possum damage is now becoming pollination percentages will hopefully apparent, and we hope to increase the identify whether bellbirds and tui are current possum control effort to mitigate successfully undertaking this essential this damage over the next year. process. Incidentally, tui were observed Our southern Ruapehu Alepis flavida in the forest during the mistletoe population (Tongariro/Taupo Conservancy) flowering period, while outside of this has again been monitored and more time they are absent. Flowering was plants were found. The total is now 83 comparatively light this year in contrast known individuals. Propagation occurred to last year, despite insignificant possum last year. Approximately 30% of the browse being observed. planted seed did take even though the Plants of Ileostylus micranthus grown success of establishment varied from host from seed (from Benge Park, Wellington) to host. With a few modifications we and translocated to Te Marua Bush have expect to be able to increase the now borne fruit at their new home. establishment rate this season and should Translocation of this species can now be easily be able to double the population added to other management tools, and within a year or so. should prove especially useful where The majority of Tongariro/Taupo isolated plants are threatened by roads Conservancy mistletoe surveying and or occur at insecure locations. monitoring has concentrated on Peraxilla Other colensoi at Rangataua Conservation Area, Staff from the Bay of Plenty Conservancy an area with 5 years of good possum worked with the consultants who control, and in a part of Kaimanawa manage road maintenance contracts for Forest Park where possums are not the Rotorua District Council looking at controlled. Many large healthy plants sites around the Rotorua lakes where were found flowering prolifically at mistletoe (Tupeia and Ileostylus) occurs Rangataua. Incidentally two flower

RARE BITS No. 36. April 2000 4 adjacent to roads. These sites are Protecting kokako from potentially threatened by roading predators development and vegetation mowing on The Mangatutu kokako protection roadsides. The consultants have agreed project has just finished its fifth breeding to avoid the sites. season and things are looking very encouraging in the Mangatutu Ecological KOKAKO Area. All the pest control continues to from Nigel Miller (Northland), be successfully carried out by Laurence Philip Bradfield (Wanganui), Keith Gordon and the odd volunteer under Owen (Bay of Plenty), and Julie his supervision. Laurence services Newell (Wellington) somewhere in the vicinity of 1000 bait Incoming stations and has recently completed a Kokako in Northland had a very poor very thorough and comprehensive track breeding season: only three nesting marking and mapping exercise, which attempts out of 14 pairs that were will enable volunteers and future checked. Of those, only one was workers to find every bait station! successful, the others were suspected to This summer Laurence got rats to low have been preyed by harriers. Both levels despite apparent rodent plagues chicks from the successful attempt (at in many parts of the country. Rat tracking Tutamoe) were moved, as late stage indices were 5% in November and 7% nestlings, to a 6-m tall bush aviary in in January. There was no monitoring of Puketi forest, where only 1 pair remains. nests this summer. On advice from the At Puketi, they were hand-reared to Kokako Recovery Group, adult censuses independence and released at about 65 in places like Mangatutu and Waipapa days old. They continued to be will now only be conducted every 4 supplementary fed for a further 2 weeks years. The second 4-yearly census in the and are now being monitored regularly. Mangatutu is due to be conducted this Lawyer berries are the staple diet at winter. present and we are hopeful they will Pulsed management & Mapara switch to other foods as they become kokako available - it’s not a great fruiting year. The third season in the pulsed Successful predator control work carried management regime at Mapara Wildlife out by the Kaharoa Kokako Trust this Reserve has ended with fairly predictable breeding season in the Kaharoa Forest results. The pulsed management has resulted in a good breeding season experiment is investigating maintaining for kokako. Carmel Richardson who population viability while reducing the undertook the earlier adult census for intensity of pest control. the conservancy reports the presence of Between 1989-97 the 1400-ha Mapara a number of fledglings during monitoring. Wildlife Reserve received intensive goat, The census is still progressing. mustelid, possum, and rat control. The Kokako on Kapiti Island had a results are now conservation history: reasonably successful breeding season number of breeding pairs increased this year, with 2 chicks fledged, and a tenfold, gender ratio went from 90%(M) stunted one which died in the nest, all 10%(F) to almost 50:50, juvenile survival from separate nests. Currently 20 birds very high, and harvesting of the are confirmed alive. population for transfers to Kapiti Island,

RARE BITS No. 36. April 2000 5 SPECIES ROUNDUP Tiritiri Matangi Island, Hunua Ranges and years: between 0-14% (according to Pureora Forest. season) of nests successfully fledged. After these 8 years of intensive pest We still have some work to do with control the management/research team modeling and calculating periods of the decided that the responsible approach “on” and “off” pulses. So far, things are was to reduce management input, while looking promising for the future of this still monitoring pest levels and kokako pulse management experiment. The numbers and productivity. The theory spring 1999 adult kokako census actually behind pulse management is that if a revealed that the population is the breeding female can produce juveniles highest it has been since the project in say 4 X 3 year windows of low pest started in 1989. Considering that this is numbers in her 30+ life span then this after three breeding seasons of no pest will not only keep the population viable control we feel that the census result is but actually keep it increasing. a very good advertisement for the If pulse management works, and all signs concept of pulse management. are looking good so far, it will mean that Monitoring and surveys more dollars are available for other A major survey of forest birds, possums, management sites, as well as lessening and rats in the Opuiaki Ecological Area, the use of pest control toxins in with a particular emphasis on North ecosystems. Island kokako, is currently taking place. As we expected, as soon as bait was This forest, on the northern Mamaku removed from bait stations after the 1996/ Plateau, was a stronghold for kokako 25 97 breeding season the rat population years ago. The census will provide an increased rapidly. Possum population update on the ecological values increase has be predictably slower and associated with the area especially now (after 3 years) is at 16% RTC. As we kokako and provide guidance as to what predicted, these high predator numbers work we should do for kokako and other have meant that very few kokako nests forest conservation values in the future. have been successful over the past 3

RARE BITS No. 36. April 2000 6 CONSERVANCY NORTHLAND an early nest fledged by mid-December, NEWS from Lisa Forester, Katrina Hansen, which is several weeks earlier than Nigel Miller, Richard Parrish, and recorded previously. A pair of birds from Mike Thorsen the 7 chicks raised in 1997/98 returned Strategic teams and bred successfully. Two other birds A team approach is Northland paired, but did not breed. The 5 pairs Conservancy’s new way of setting that bred this season in Northland strategic priorities. Teams are made up produced a total of 8 nests, including 3 of several staff working in all the major infertile and 3 re-nests. Seven chicks programmes, including conservancy hatched. At Waipu 1 chick disappeared specialists and field staff, as well as a after 3 days and 1 of a pair of chicks at Senior Management Sponsor. Species Mangawhai disappeared after bad Teams are now drawing up 5-year Action weather. Two transfers were carried out Tables, which will drive this year’s in an attempt to increase the number of business planning. Teams are also expected eggs laid. A chick from a fertile egg, to set priorities, advise SMT, measure which was transferred to Waipu from work against national documents such Papakanui, disappeared after 2 days. One as the Dawn Chorus, address local of 2 eggs, transferred from Papakanui to training and upskilling, and set priorities an infertile nest at Mangawhai, hatched for additional work which could be done and the chick fledged. The fertile pair given extra resources. Strategic teamwork re-nested. gives staff at all levels the opportunity New Zealand dotterel had a good to help set priorities for the whole breeding season. Fourteen chicks were conservancy. So far it has received a great banded at Waipu and 22 at Mangawhai. deal of enthusiasm and support. Many of these should fledge. Plants Three Kings kukupa The plant survey is still producing some After much careful planning, 3 female interesting results. The latest is the and 1 (lucky) male kukupa (New discovery of some superb wetland Zealand pigeon) have been released sequences in an obviously forgotten onto Great Island, Three Kings Islands. corner of Northland, north of Dargaville. The role of a large-seed disperser was Notable records include Schoenus carsei previously vacant (kukupa probably and Utricularia dicotoma, which have vanished before Tasman’s arrival), so not been recorded in Northland for many plants have a very restricted around 50 years, as well as Calochilus distribution on the island - even herbaceus, Cyclosorus interruptus, ‘common’ species such as karaka, puriri, Phylloglossum drummondii, Thelypteris and tawapou. Other species endemic to confluens, Thelymitra tholiformis, and a the island group such as Elingamita major population of Spiranthes novae- johnsonii, Three Kings titoki, and a local zelandiae. form of pigeonwood should also benefit. The birds were soft-released after being New Zealand fairy tern and other held in captivity at the Whangarei Native shorebirds Bird Recovery Centre for several months, Despite a stormy La Nina summer, fairy following rescue owing to injury. In April, terns bred well in Northland this year we will release further birds and monitor with 4 chicks fledged and 1 more due to the progress of the first ones. A research fledge. At Mangawhai, the chicks from

RARE BITS No. 36. April 2000 7 CONSERVANCY project is underway documenting cone, but it’s botanically famous too, with NEWS recovery of the island’s vegetation since 1 plant of shore spurge (Euphorbia the eradication of goats in the 1940s, and glauca) remaining. This is the only to document the changes that occur as a record in Auckland but for a small result of the kukupa introduction. population on Little Barrier Island. After Heartfelt thanks to Ngati Kuri for its looking for seed for 3 years the Rangitoto assistance. Field Centre decided to collect material Chicken Islands lizards for cuttings. From this the Auckland Lizard capture rates in pitfall traps on a Regional Botanic Gardens has beach on Coppermine Island in successfully propagated 6 small plants. December 1999 were 50.6 per 100 trap Cross your fingers they survive and nights, the highest catch so far. However, flower. We are hoping the individual on the capture rates on the other five trap Motukorea is refusing to flower only lines there and on Lady Alice Island were because it is growing in sub-optimal inconsistent. Hopefully, capture rates in conditions - a sort of strike if you like - March 2000 will show better results. and that the cutting grown plants will flower profusely. Cave invertebrates Results from the invertebrate WAIKATO investigations carried out at Waipu and Maniapoto Area Abbey Caves (see Rare Bits 35) revealed from Philip Bradfield pseudoscorpions, which were previously only known from Waipoua Forest and a Mahoenui giant weta new genus of carabid quite unlike any This project is about to receive a renewed other in New Zealand. effort in terms of strategic direction. We are shortly going to increase our efforts AUCKLAND in the areas of weta population monitoring, from Bec Stanley both in the 200-ha gorse reserve and areas Olearia allomii to where weta have been translocated. Duane Walker, Helen McGill, and I have Over the past 10 or so years weta have been surveying for this endemic tree been transferred to 4 sites. Survival at daisy on Great Barrier for the last few these sites appears not to have been months. To our pleasant surprise it seems good, although search effort was not to be doing well. We suspected it was extensive in some cases. not truly threatened so it is good to Our plan is to introduce weta to a smaller confirm this. It is range restricted though patch of gorse where we can monitor so we’ll continue monitoring to ensure their survival more intensively so as to it doesn’t become threatened. The get a better picture of what is going on. Olearia seems to occupy a successional Long-tailed bats habitat (manuka/akepiro shrubland Our long-tailed bat monitoring project communities) at the tops of the at the Grand Canyon Nature Reserve cave mountains and on rocky outcrops. In the (NW of Piopio) is ongoing and continues short term, it has plenty of available to produce very variable results. The habitat on the island. number of bats and times of day that Euphorbia glauca bats use the cave seems to be different Motukorea in the inner Hauraki Gulf is every time we go out there. We still most famous for its distinctive volcanic have much to learn about their use of this cave.

RARE BITS No. 36. April 2000 8 Colin O’Donnell and his team of intrepid known to many of you. She has spent bat persons come up twice every the last 2 years on the Chathams and summer for more intensive catching and also has many seasons of kokako work monitoring. They rig up mist nets and under her belt. She conducted her harp traps at both cave entrances, as well Masters thesis on Leiopelmatid frogs in as conducting “walking transects” on Whareorino Forest, so she comes to our local roads. An impressive number of area well qualified. bats - somewhere in the region of 500 - have been banded and processed over BAY OF PLENTY the past three summers. These 10-day from Paul Cashmore and Keith trips have given Maniapoto staff Owen wonderful opportunities to learn about New discoveries bats, handle, band, and measure them. Myriophyllum robustum (Category B, Everyone concerned has greatly Molloy and Davis 1994) has been appreciated this opportunity to be discovered growing in large quantities involved in hands-on research with a in an ephemeral lake on the Mamaku species that many people rarely see! Plateau. This is the second only known The Bat Team has also started bat site in the conservancy. catching/monitoring at Ruakuri Natural Ophioglossum petiolatum (Category O, Tunnel cave at Waitomo. This cave also Molloy and Davis 1994) has been appears to house a sizeable bat discovered in Whirinaki although the population, and several hundred have common O. coriaceum is also present. already been captured and marked. This is the only known population in Maniapoto threatened plant the eastern North Island. work Dactylanthus The critically endangered Amphibromus At Pukerimu staff have mapped and fluvitans has been relocated in the added 51 cages over remaining uncaged Waihora lagoon, Pureora, and was plants. Similarly in the Paeroa Range 24 observed to be flowering well. cages were added to plants in the area. A small and tenuous population of Hebe At the Oropi site flowering was monitored speciosa was surveyed on the coastal with good flowering this year. The slope near Awakino township. There is annual volunteer day at this site was held good regeneration occurring, and 30 in February. Volunteers spent the day cuttings were taken for propagation. combing the gullies with many more A new Dactylanthus taylorii site has plants being found. been found in the Whareorino forest, Staff completed the Dactylanthus Fact west of Te Kuiti. However, the plants Sheet on behalf of the Dactylanthus were in poor condition. Recovery Group. Copies have been sent The Waikato Botanical Society is about out to conservancies through PA staff. to assess a population of Pittosporum Red bearded orchid turneri at a site in Pureora. The annual Calochilus robertsonii survey New staff member at the Rotorua racecourse was carried By the time this edition of Rare Bits goes out in December. A total of 1005 plants to print a new member of staff will have were recorded this year, down from 1820 joined our Biodiversity team here in the last year. Maniapoto Area. Tertia Thurley will be

RARE BITS No. 36. April 2000 9 CONSERVANCY Lepidium oleraceum A Rodent Contingency Plan prepared by NEWS Motuputa Island, off Motiti Island was Richard Griffiths has been presented to resurveyed for Lepidium plants where the Mokoia Island Trust. several were recorded in 1995. None A further attempt to eradicate mice from were seen. the island is planned for late winter if The Karewa Island population was the funds become available. In the visited in February. Six Lepidium plants meantime, two entomologists have been were found with some green foliage and contracted to determine the invertebrate 2 recent dead plants. Most plants had community present on the island and to flowered and seeded. This result is an provide advice on keystone species for increase on last summer’s total. future monitoring purposes. Moutohora (Whale) Island. Matakana Island- Northern NZ In August last year approximately 400 dotterel plants of 9 threatened/local species were The predator control and monitoring of planted on the island. Plant survival rates the dotterel population on Matakana were monitored in November. Survival Island, carried out by Bubby, a Matakana rates at most sites are very high (>90%). Island resident on contract to the This is probably the result of careful site conservancy, has concluded for the selection using well-established nursery season. The results were outstanding. grown plants. The breeding season produced 31 chicks The 40 tieke (saddleback) released onto that fledged. This was the largest number Moutohora last March were monitored of fledglings produced since the by Auckland University researchers programme started 8 years ago. under contract to the conservancy. The Opuiaki Ecological Area-Forest monitoring is for one breeding season Survey only, and shows that birds have A recent lizard survey undertaken by dispersed widely on the island. A number Tony Whitaker and John Heaphy showed of unmarked sub-adults have been the presence of forest gecko but no other observed and indicate that breeding is species. See also the kokako item in the taking place. Species Roundup section. Mokoia Island The hihi (stitchbird) monitoring carried EAST COAST/HAWKE’S BAY out by Richard Griffiths with assistance from Steve Cranwell from Isabel Castro and volunteers on Boundary Stream Mainland Mokoia has resulted in the production Island of about 21 fledglings. The restoration phase of the Boundary This is a good result given that most of Stream Mainland Island Project continues these fledglings are from re-nesting to gain momentum as the sustained attempts. reduction of pests and predators, Surveys carried out by Isabel Castro and produces visible changes to both plant Ecoquest Education Foundation to and birdlife. The North Island robin has determine the North Island weka just completed its second breeding population on the island indicates that season since reintroduction into about 80-100 birds are present. This Boundary Stream in 1998. A further 23 number is close to previous estimates. known fledglings were produced. Given Weka breeding this year appears to have the additional pressure from rats this been very slow. season which were implicated in the

RARE BITS No. 36. April 2000 10 higher number of failed nests this year, There have been remarkably few losses a 55% nesting success is considered a at Rainbow Springs this year with just 3 favorable result. The total population is fertile eggs lost, although there were a estimated to have almost doubled in size few dead eggs taken from the field also. since the initial release with 50 of a The first chicks to hatch back in October possible 67 known birds sighted since are doing very well and we expect to September 1999. start releasing in May. As introduced predators are displaced it Out in the field the news is not so good. would appear native predators are Of the 13 Operation Nest Egg releasees making the most of the opportunity, e.g. put back into Tongariro Forest, only 5 a pair of NZ falcon known to have nested to date still carry functioning transmitters. in the reserve. While falcon have been One chick dropped its transmitter and 4 present on the Maungaharuru range have had gear failure meaning we have previously it is the first time a pair are lost track of them. One bird has been known to have established a territory and killed by a pig, another by a ferret, and fledged chicks within the reserve. 1 died from a ruptured liver after what The 2nd of March was an auspicious date we can only describe as misadventure for Boundary Stream with the release of because the bird was in perfect health ‘Ari’ - the first of the captive reared kiwi otherwise – there were no visible sign chicks into the reserve. Under the of predation. Although the total of Operation Nest Egg programme efforts confirmed deaths from the 13 released are underway to re-establish a population chicks is only 3, there is the possibility of NI brown kiwi within the reserve. of more among the 5 ‘missing’ birds. Over the next 3-5 years eggs will be Blue duck sourced from the Eastern Kaweka ranges Annual monitoring has shown significant with the aim of establishing 10 breeding breeding has occurred on all monitored pairs within this time. Five transmitted rivers within the Tongariro/Taupo males currently form the source Conservancy in the 1999/00 season, population, from which a further 2 kiwi unlike the poorest breeding season on will be released into Boundary Stream record last year where there were only in coming weeks. 2 broods seen on one-off catchment- TONGARIRO/TAUPO wide surveys of four major river systems. Some early moulting adults may not have from Cam Speedy, Nick Singers, been detected on the monitored Peter Morten, Nigel Holland and Whakapapa reach this year, but 4 chicks Harry Keys from a brood of 6 were transferred from Kiwi here to Mt Taranaki as part of the The Tongariro Forest Kiwi programme National Blue Duck Recovery Programme. has had mixed success this season. There On a recent walk of the lower reaches are currently 13 kiwi chicks from the of the Mangaturuturu River field staff saw programme at Rainbow Springs in 2 pairs of blue ducks. This is the first Rotorua and 1 more fertile egg is still to time blue duck have been recorded in hatch. Nine of these chicks are from this river. Although the Mangaturuturu Tongariro Forest, with the remaining River is very close to other blue duck chicks (and the last egg) from Waimarino inhabited waterways its headwaters are Forest near Raetihi (actually in Wanganui filled with the ash laden lahar path Conservancy).

RARE BITS No. 36. April 2000 11 CONSERVANCY known as the Mangaturuturu Glacier. As Pterostylis micromega and NEWS a result the river has had little or no Prasophyllum aff. patens aquatic life and has previously been Threatened orchid monitoring occurred deemed unsuitable blue duck habitat. in the national park wetland this year. Kaka We found more orchids and extended The Pureora team has now helped to the distribution of both species. In catch all 10 female kaka needed for the addition, we also found many Pterostylis Science & Research project currently paludosa (recently ranked as declining) being run in part of the southern Mount widespread throughout many of the Ruapehu’s beech forest. As monitoring smaller areas of wetland habitat. progresses we are picking up signs of WANGANUI breeding behaviour with two possible from Tim Holmes, Graeme La Cock, nest sights already confirmed. The and Rosemary Miller outcome of any nests found is very much up in the air, but it is great to see breeding Olearia gardneri attempts for two successive seasons. We found seedlings in the Railcorp land (we now have an annual lease for the Dactylanthus area). Seed that we collected has Dactylanthus will be monitored for germinated at Percy Reserve (42 for you flowering success later in March. We are non-believers). The most interesting expecting a lot of damage to flowers from thing is the presence of some seedlings the high numbers of rodents left over with alternate leaves. Initially the from the previous season’s mast seeding. seedlings had us confused, because Pittosporum turneri they’re supposed to have opposite Pittosporum turneri (FBI) monitoring leaves. They looked like O. gardneri in was established at Kuratau clearing in all other respects. We shipped one off November 1999. Many adult plants now to Robyn Smith at Percy Scenic Reserve. occur at this site and the seed set from Some of her seedlings also had alternate last year was especially prolific. Some leaves. An adult tree with alternate leaves possum damage was apparent, and on one branch was found at Paengaroa. increased control will be investigated So we’re thinking of describing another next financial year. new species. A visit was made to another population Melicytus drucei which occurs on the privately owned Jim Clarkson’s brother (no, not Bruce!) Lochinver Station in the Headwaters of told him about a mate who had found the Ripia River. In contrast to the Kuratau another population of M. drucei between site, plants found here were heavily Kiri Peak and Pouakai Trig. Jim and I possum browsed. Twenty-three large (Graeme La Cock) found about 35 plants, trees were banded in the hope that seed including 1 seedling. The site is about 2 will be produced in a few years. The hours beyond the Swanhoe’s pheasant long-term aim is to establish a population on the Dover Track. That’s right, we within a nearby conservation area. found a new bird for the National Park. Good adult foliage and fruiting has also Marvellous bright and tame bird, but we been recorded in the managed Erua thought it might be a GMM (genetically Sanctuary and Tongariro Forest sites this modified moa) so we didn’t catch it. year. This is a credit to the hard work of a succession of possum hunters over the past 5 years.

RARE BITS No. 36. April 2000 12 Celmisia “Mangaweka” Blue ducks released in Egmont (Celmisia aff gracilenta (b) (CHR469722; National Park Mangaweka)) Twelve blue ducks have been released We thought we’d lost our one-and-only in Egmont National Park over three natural site, so Henry’s call “There’s separate releases (1986, 1989, and 1991). the stuff” was great to hear. There were Of these, 7 were captive-reared juveniles still 33 plants present. Virtually all of and 5 were wild adult birds from the the transplants have also survived. Manganui-a-te-ao River. Over the past Unfortunately Robyn couldn’t get any of couple of years 3 male birds were known the seed to germinate. to have survived including a captive- Sebaea ovata raised bird from the first release. He was Jim Campbell created some new habitat last seen in November 1999 aged 13 years. at Whitiau (all you need is a medium In December 1999 and January 2000 4 sized digger and a good operator). Plants wild-caught birds from the Whakapapa were transplanted to the three newly and 11 captive-raised birds from created scrapes. Then the place got Palmerston North Aviaries, Staglands flooded and most of the plants died. So Wildlife Park, and Hamilton Zoo were we were very excited to find some new released into the park. Considerable plants in one of the scrapes. This scrape effort is being invested in monitoring was close to the parent population, and the birds. could have received seed from there. New Zealand dotterels and shore Some plants have also been transplanted plover out on a limb to Hawken’s Lagoon. It wasn’t a great The pair of dotterels nesting in South year for the species, but Paul Champion’s Taranaki produced eggs that subsequently research is turning up some interesting disappeared and no chicks were aspects that should help in future observed. management. A shore plover was seen at the Waiongana Jim’s scrapes estuary, some 14 km north of New Besides the S. ovata the following species Plymouth. The bird was bred at NWC – of national or local importance have hatched on 30/11/98 and transferred to also established in the scrapes: Isolepis Portland Island on 12/7/99. basilaris, Mazus novaezeelandiae Kokopu Stream subsp. impolitus, Selliera rotundifolia, Area staff started discussions with Myriophyllum votschii, and Limosella landowners adjacent to the stream with lineata. the high population of short-jawed Euphorbia glauca kokopu only to discover that one of them During a trip to assess the impacts of had bulldozed a track immediately Chilean rhubarb Gunnera tinctoria it adjacent to it. was great to find seedlings of E. glauca WELLINGTON on a sandy shelf about 2 m above the Flora high tide mark on the cliffs at Otakeho. from Garry Foster, Dick Gill, Aalbert Other seedlings were found in slips. Rebergen, and John Sawyer There were also plenty of adult plants A meeting of the Wellington Plant around. If you want to see the plants Conservation Network was held recently before the Gunnera takes over, you’d at Otari – Wilton Bush. Many members better be quick.

RARE BITS No. 36. April 2000 13 CONSERVANCY of the network attended the meeting collected from Muehlenbeckia astonii at NEWS including DoC staff (conservancy, area, Cape Palliser. BRU, and Central Region), representatives A fence is being constructed to protect of the Auckland Plant Collections 10 adult Coprosma pedicillata and their Network (including Rebecca Stanley from associate plant species on private land Auckland Conservancy), QEII Trust, at Alfredton, northern Wairarapa. Four Wellington Regional Council, local hundred to 500 seedlings of C. pedicellata authorities, Wellington Botanical Society, were recorded under a single female plant nurseries, and the Forest and Bird shrub at Carter Scenic reserve (all within Society. A contact directory has now 2 m of the trunk). One hundred and forty been produced for members of the seedlings (all approximately 2.5 cm tall) network (please contact us if you would have been collected and potted. Most like a copy). The meeting provided a seedlings (125) are now held at a local plant useful forum for exchange of information nursery (in Norfolk Road). Three cages about plant conservation initiatives and have been placed at the wild site to protect to monitor progress made in areas supporting seedlings from (rabbit?) implementation of DoC’s plant strategy. browsing. Seedlings from previous years The meeting also reflected the have not survived at the site. interdisciplinary nature of indigenous A search by Dave Havell (UCOL) and plant conservation. Dick Gill resulted in the discovery of A conservation covenant has now been more Urtica linearifolia at Lake Papaitonga established over Waiorongomai Allsops outside the area where it was previously Bay wetlands, ‘home’ of the best reported. population of Korthalsella salicornioides The species recovery plan for Leptinella in the Wairarapa. It also has the rare nana is now undergoing one final round swamp nettle (Urtica linearifolia), of consultation before publication. L. Gunnera prorepens, and Viola lyalli. nana has been introduced to Mana Seed has been collected from the single Island (from Whitireia Park) for further conservancy population of Pimelea propagation and is on display in the tomentosa that was recently discovered garden. These plants were grown on by in the Wairarapa by the Wellington UCOL in Levin. Dick Gill has also Botanical Society. The seed has gone to investigated the possible use of Otari-Wilton Bush to be used to generate weedicide in the control of vegetation plants for species recovery work. growth around the wild population. At Aalbert Rebergen has continued to present this is not an option. Carex discover many populations of nationally litorosa seed have been collected from and regionally threatened species in Waikanae Estuary and supplied to Percy the Wairarapa including Teucridium Scenic Reserve for propagation. parvifolium, Mazus novaezealandiae, Spiranthes novezealandiae seed has also and Coprosma pedicillata. been collected and distributed to Percy Blackberry control has been carried out Scenic Reserve & Nga Manu Sanctuary. around Urtica linearifolia at Carter Scenic A book describing the 42 endemic plant Reserve. O. gardenerii seeds were species of the Chatham Islands has been collected at Koromiko and Te Kowhai published. It includes distribution maps Stations. Cuttings have been collected and photographs of each species and is from O. gardenerii (and associates) at intended to raise awareness of the Koromiko. Seeds have also been unique elements of the Chatham Island

RARE BITS No. 36. April 2000 14 flora. Please contact the conservancy if original site. Numbers dwindle away you would like to purchase a copy from the site. The recording work has been completed for the season, and the Fauna contractors (with the help and support from Glen Holland, Julie Newell, of Brian Lloyd) are about to attempt Garry Foster and David Agnew to capture and track the bats back to NWC diet research their roost. Following the research conducted on the Katipo spiders shore plover diet, NWC is planning trials Katipo spiders were discovered at Flat on an insectivore mix, which Massey Point, on the eastern Wairarapa coast last University has formulated and Unifeeds summer. Garry Foster revisited the site has produced (in close conjunction with recently with Brian Patrick from Otago Massey researchers). Takahe, blue duck, Museum. The site had changed since the and teal pellets have already been last visit because all the driftwood where formulated and are now commercially the spiders had previously been found available. Initially this feed will replace was now covered with sand, and no the imported insectivore mix from spiders were present. A search amongst Australia, which is very expensive, and the dune vegetation found spiders still requires the addition of cat biscuits. The present in the area but more difficult to aim is to perfect an insectivore mix find. Brian explained that he believed resulting in a formulated/balanced diet, the spiders preferred less dense requiring only the addition of minced vegetation such as Coprosma acerosa or heart and water. The diet will be readily young marram, but as the marram available and is predicted to cost less matured it became too dense for the than half the imported product. A similar spiders’ survival. Last summer’s count nectar substitute may also be on the amongst driftwood was 33 spiders in 30 cards. minutes. Brian and Garry counted 7 This research will take the guess work spiders in about 30 minutes during out of the captive diet, which is the February this year. I believe natural primary building block to producing causes are responsible for the change. viable eggs with good hatchability and Kapiti Island update healthy stock. It may not be widely This year has been reasonably successful known that NWC has the expertise to for kokako, with 2 chicks fledged, and a investigate diet issues. The value of a stunted one which died in the nest, all balanced diet will rectify ‘the-cart-before- from separate nests. Currently 20 birds the-horse’ situation we are currently in were confirmed alive. with captive diets for our insectivorous There was no hihi nesting detected this species. year. Approximately 30 birds were Wairarapa bats confirmed alive, including 4 of 6 Short-tailed bats were discovered in the fledglings banded last year, and 2 birds Waiohine Gorge area of the Tararua not seen last season. Meanwhile only 1 Forest Park towards the end of last or 2 tui chicks were detected, and no summer. This summer contractors have bellbirds (very unusual). A bad year for been distributing automatic bat recording honey eaters on Kapiti. equipment working outwards of the Eight takahe on Kapiti Island comprise original site. Many more short-tailed bat 2 pairs, each with 1 chick and 2 singles passes have been recorded near the

RARE BITS No. 36. April 2000 15 CONSERVANCY who failed to pair and live at opposite forget-me-not, it appears to be extinct at NEWS ends of the island. The introduction of its only North Island site. There are two Green (from Burwood) was successful. populations in the Takaka-Cobb mineral A quick pairing with Iti resulted in a belt, totaling several hundred plants. successful nest, first try, 2 months later. A more recent find is an unnamed forget- me-not tag-named Myosotis “Flora”. So NELSON/MARLBOROUGH far only a few plants have been found Flora because its habitat is very localised and from Cathy Jones and Shannel specialised. In the Flora Stream Courtney catchment forest it appears to be Further survey for Ischnocarpus confined to the overhangs of limestone novaezelandiae in Molesworth turned up bluffs where it is rooted into the very several more plants than expected. fine rock dust that has flaked off the Monitoring was set up to detect gross overhanging roof. It is so delicate that it changes in population numbers, health, does not appear to tolerate direct rainfall. and recruitment. Trampling by goats and deep Carmichaelia muritai, Muehlenbeckia accumulations of faecal pellets have astonii, and Olearia hectorii monitoring rendered uninhabitable much of the have been completed. Results are Flora forget-me-not’s niche. awaiting processing. A survey for the limestone greenhood Survey for the scree gentian and Raoulia orchid (Pterostylis porrecta) in February cinerea on the Rachel Range in was successful. About 80 individuals Molesworth revealed large numbers of were rediscovered within Aniseed Valley both species. Very few of the gentians, Scenic Reserve. This orchid is otherwise however, showed any sign of flowering only known from a handful of North this season. Island sites. A population of Carmichaelia A February search for the red-throated carmichaeliae was visited at the height eye-bright (Euphrasia unnamed), which of the flowering season. It was a stunning appears to be confined to the Southern sight - a very healthy population Arthur Range, revealed only 1 plant over containing plants of all ages showing an area where there were numerous very little sign of browse thanks to good individuals 5 years ago. This gives cause conservation management by the for concern because the reasons for landowner. decline are not apparent. Monitoring and survey of moonwort, a very cryptic small primitive fern found Fauna only in the marblelands of Kahurangi, Mohua population drop turned up a record 149 individuals from from Mike Aviss three locations, as opposed to a previous The Mt Stokes mohua population has high of 83 from the same three locations dropped dramatically. At the end of the in 1999. 1998-99 summer there were around 90 A very rare forget-me-not, Myosotis birds, but now numbers are estimated petiolata, was relocated in the upper at 27, of which only 6 are female. Takaka catchment during a general Predation by ship rats is thought to be survey of the Cobb and Takaka Valley the cause of the sudden decline. This mineral belt in January. Although this is may have occurred during winter if the one of two known localities for this birds also roost in cavities.

RARE BITS No. 36. April 2000 16 The department had successfully facts. We used several methods but failed increased mohua numbers on Mt Stokes to find any animals in the alpine to a size where the risk could be taken grasslands despite us knowing that they to establish a second population on a are present. predator-free island. Four birds, including Seven Powelliphanta hochstetteri 1 female, were transferred late last year hochstetteri monitoring sites were to Nukuwaiata. Plans to move more were counted, including three new plots in scrapped when it was realised there had Kahurangi, to give a control comparison been a sizeable drop in the population. to the possum-managed block in Flora Seven nesting attempts were made over Stream. summer but few were successful. Cuckoo parasitism was an added problem. WEST COAST Intensive trapping of stoats had been from Don Neale, Lynn Adams, sufficient to protect the birds because Megan Hieatt, Hugh Trembath, Paul rats had almost never been recorded at van Klink, and Les van Dijk this altitude on Mt Stokes. Okarito brown kiwi (ex situ) Blue duck survey Five Okarito brown kiwi on Motuara from Belinda Studholme Island were returned to Okarito Forest A survey of blue ducks (whio) on all in October 1999 at the age of 1 year. All major and some minor waterways in weighed over 1.2 kg. They were released Kahurangi National Park was completed into the centre of the forest near territorial over the past summer. adults. All have done well and are The survey, over two summers, found a behaving like wild kiwi. “Albi”, the total of 192 adults including 58 pairs. As famous white kiwi, was left on the island well, 41 ducklings were seen. The several months longer because he was surveying team also found signs of blue younger and smaller. We have since duck in places where no ducks were found he has had Ascarid worms, which seen. is thought to have slowed his weight gain. He has recently been released to Other fauna the wild. from Jan Clayton-Greene and Tim Eleven eggs have been incubated in Shaw captivity from 30+ days, and 7 have Fauna surveys in the South Marlborough survived. Two eggs were infertile or dead area have found at least 1 common skink, on arrival, 1 died during hatching (it had that likes mountain tops, on Mt Morris cracks in the eggshell), and 1 hatched at 1900 m. successfully but died several weeks later. Other surveys have concentrated on river Additionally, 7 chicks were collected terraces looking for Mimopeus parallelus from the wild giving 14 chicks this year. and Anabarynchus fluviatus. The darkling While in captivity the birds have picked beetle was found plus a number of up ascarid worms and coccidia. Stiletto flies, which are still being keyed Two young chicks were sent to Motuara out to see if they are the right beast. Island at c.2-3 weeks old to trial transfers Attempted monitoring of the alpine giant at a young age. We hope the birds will weta of Kahurangi, Deinacrida tibiospina, benefit being on the island longer and proved that the best intentions can not adapt to the wild quickly. take the place of some basic behavioral

RARE BITS No. 36. April 2000 17 CONSERVANCY Haast Tokoeka Lepidium naufragorum NEWS The last remaining nest of Haast Tokoeka Monitoring of this threatened species of for the 1999/2000 breeding season failed. coastal cress has begun on Taumaka, Five nests were monitored in this season, Open Bay Islands off the coast of Haast. and of these one possibly may have Taumaka is recognised in the Coastal hatched. The breeding pair on Thirsty Cress Recovery Plan as the stronghold Ridge were found in a nest in September, site for the species. Seven permanent which had failed by November, when transects have been set up on the they were discovered to be sitting on seaward rocky side of the island where their second egg of the season. Although a rough count estimated 1900 individual we did not get any success in terms of plants. Each individual plant along the known definite hatching of chicks, more transects has been counted. The knowledge about the breeding ecology presence of other species, plantain of the Haast Tokoeka was gained. Two (Plantago major), and broad leaved dock of the recovered failed eggs have been (Rumex obtusifolius) has been noted. sent to Massey University for analysis and These adventive species may pose a we are currently awaiting the results. threat to the Taumaka population of Hector’s dolphin Lepidium and will be monitored and Several lines of research are commencing controlled if necessary. on Hector’s dolphins on the West Coast Ongoing surveys of offshore sea stacks and elsewhere around its range. Guen on the West Coast produced new records Jones, Deanna Clement, and Eduardo of Lepidium naufragorum at Motukiekie, Secchi (Otago University) are starting Abbey Rocks, and Hanata Island. A small PhD work on the distribution, population patch of the more threatened L. flexicaule ecology, and fishing impacts of the species. was found flourishing at Charleston. It Franz Pichler (Auckland University) is had been regarded absent from this site. completing his PhD on the genetics of Orchids Hector’s dolphin. His field work, A visit from orchid expert Brian Molloy completed in February 2000, will help gave Hokitika Area staff the opportunity to provide a detailed picture of the species’ to acquaint themselves with the genetic features in this conservancy. threatened Pterostylus cernua and other Three gillnet-marked Hector’s dolphins orchids. P. cernua was known only from have been recovered for necropsy from its type locality on the SH73 roadside at beaches near Westport this summer. Okuku Scenic Reserve (where we found Marine fish it growing abundantly, but potentially A joint MoNZ-DoC survey of marine fish threatened by roadside ditch clearance). of the northern West Coast in February One other locality was found several turned up large populations of the kilometers away, and Brian reported endemic giant triplefin (Blennodon finding it also near Westport later on his dorsale), which is very uncommon visit, suggesting that it may be more elsewhere. A small brotula fish was widespread than previously thought. unexpectedly collected from Seal Island Orange fronted parakeet (Paparoa coast). It is either outside the Orange fronted parakeet surveys were known range of the brotulas (NE North carried in the Maruia Valley. To date we Island & Fiordland) or is a previously have one possible sighting that will undescribed species. require further investigation. Locating the

RARE BITS No. 36. April 2000 18 species here will be a major find because Albatross the known range is limited to the At Taiaroa Head there are currently 12 Hawdon and Hurunui. chicks, with 1 lost recently to aspergillosis Wetland surveys it is thought. Stuart Cameron, a local vet, Major surveys of the high priority and a colleague are investigating it and wetlands began and included a wide looking at treatment/prevention range of vegetation mapping, water strategies for the future. quality surveys, and species surveys. The Pittosporum patulum focus of the work was on Lake Brunner, Stu Thorne in Wanaka has been back Lake Haupiri, Lake Daniels, and Lake into the Dingle valley checking Poerua. From these surveys we extended Pittosporum patulum. To his dismay 3 our knowledge on the range of 3 of the 4 young trees at one site, which threatened plants Myriophyllum had all been healthy last May, had been robustum, Deschampsia cespitosa, and totally defoliated. Possums seem to be Carex tenuiculmis, all recorded at Lake the most likely culprit, and a strategy for Haupiri. protecting the site is being considered. Further survey at the main site increased OTAGO the total there to 159 plants. from John Barkla and Bruce Myosotis McKinlay The search for more M. pygmaea var. Mohua glauca goes on with a further site found The stoat trapping response in the Dart at Macraes by Graeme Loh (conveniently went off very well with just under 100 located inside one of his large predator stoats caught. exclosures). A recent trip to the northern Stoat numbers were well down in the Dunstan Range, a Myosotis stronghold, part of the Catlins that was trapped. It tried to sort out the various species there, seems possible that a recent AHB 1080 especially M. cheesemanii, M. pulvinaris, possum drop has impacted on stoat and M. oreophila. We came away more numbers. confused than ever but did expand the Ground weta distribution of M. oreophila a little. In Central, ground weta searching has Olearia hectorii been successful with new populations It’s been a good year for propagation of of ground weta turning up at the Lindis Olearia hectorii. Over 200 plants have Crossing. been grown by the Dunedin Botanic Keas Gardens from seed collected from the Keas have been having some interactions Catlins in early November. We hope to with recreationalists and also some DoC use them to enhance an existing site gear at huts on the Dart and Matukituki comprising very old trees along the Valleys. Groups of 10-20 young keas Owaka River. have been taking up residence at the huts Simplicia laxa and are busy investigating the properties Remonitoring of this endangered grass of ripstop nylon sandfly screen netting at our key site on the Old Man Range and also the window seals of a new truck has shown a large increase in the belonging to a DoC officer, much to his incidence of the weed Hieracium distress. lepidulum. Because competition with Simplicia seems inevitable we decided

RARE BITS No. 36. April 2000 19 CONSERVANCY to remove the Hieracium with hand survey revealed possibly the second NEWS weeding. It will be interesting to observe largest population of Olearia hectorii if this is a sustainable control strategy. (approximately 300 plants) and O. Lepidum sisymbrioides subsp fimbriata (several hundred plants). A kawarau single O. fragrantissima was also found. A new and uncharacteristic site for this Coastal turf survey: A coastal turf survey endangered cress was recently discovered between Colac Bay and Cosy Nook on the shores of Falls Dam in central (Western Southland) has been initiated. Otago. It normally dwells in rock crevices To date 10 Lepidium tenuicaule sites (6 on steep faces, but at this site it grows in new sites), 4 Mazus arenarius sites (all the lakeshore gravels. The plants are new), a Ranunculus recens site, and a particularly robust and a good number Euphorbia glauca site (also new) have are present. been found. The Mazus sites represent a western extension to their distribution. Uncinia strictissima Southland Plains Ecological District Neill Simpson has been working on Survey: Geoff Walls is completing the contract for Southland and Otago on this PNA survey report. Some interesting species and located a new Otago site plant finds have been on remnants along near Roxburgh. Although there are a the Otapiri Stream. Two sites each couple of other historical sites for it, this contained 6 or more threatened species. is the only known definite population. One site contained Pittosporum Lepidium oleraceum obcordatum, Olearia hectorii, O. Good and bad news here. On the fragrantissima, Coprosma wallii, C. positive side Coastal Otago area staff obconica, and Melicytus flexuosus. found a new site on the Otago Peninsula (Note, this is just the second P. with plenty of young plants. At Taiaroa obcordatum site in Southland). The other Head though rabbits discovered our site contained Olearia hectorii, O. carefully nurtured site and left only a few fragrantissima, Coprosma wallii, C. leafless stems. Fortunately the plants obconica, fierce lancewood, and the have a great capacity for recovery (with largest population of the mistletoe Tupeia the help of a netting cage) and are now antarctica currently known in Southland. looking good. Recent field work in Motu Bush (Western SOUTHLAND Southland) has revealed 12 threatened from Brian Rance plant species. These are 6 woody plants: Coprosma pedicellata (several hundred Murihiku Area plants minimum), C. wallii, C. obconica, Lizard surveys: A team has been into the Pittosporum obcordatum (the third site Takitimu Mountains looking for the for Southland), Melicytus flexuosus, fierce Takitimu gecko, of which a single lancewood; 2 mistletoes Tupeia specimen was discovered in 1997. antarctica and Peraxilla colensoi; the During this trip several were found. This grass Deschampsia caespitosa, the sedge species is currently being described. Carex tenuiculmis, the hook grass Upper Waikaia River survey: Neill Uncinia strictissima; and the buttercup Simpson has undertaken a survey for Ranunculus ternatifolius. Olearia hectorii, O. fimbriata, and Other plant work: General field work has Helichrysum dimorphum, in the Waikaia revealed several new sites for threatened catchment above Waikaia Forest. This plants. Of greatest significance has been:

RARE BITS No. 36. April 2000 20 • The second record of Coprosma Brown teal: Six adult brown teal remain pedicellata in Southland alive following capture from southern • A site with a good population of both Fiordland earlier this summer. Four Deschampsia caespitosa and Carex chicks have been born in captivity and tenuiculmis are doing well. • Two new sites for Ranunculus Lakeshore turf survey: This survey has ternatifolius. continued along the shores of Lakes Te Te Anau Area Anau and Manapouri this summer. Takahe: It has been a good season for Additional threatened plant sites have the Takahe Programme. Following our been found. second mild winter in a row the takahe Southern Islands population has undergone another Campbell Island teal on Whenua Hou - increase with 133 adult birds, 49 pairs, all 12 birds released in March 1999 are and 13 chicks in the Murchison believed to be alive. Four females nested Mountains. (1998/99 season’s totals were this season producing 14 eggs from which 124 adult birds, 47 pairs, and 26 chicks.) 9 ducklings hatched. Unfortunately only While this season’s chick production in 2 ducklings have survived possibly the wild is down from the record because of the very dry season. A further numbers of 1998/99, it is on par with 12 teal will be released this May. previous years. Meanwhile out at the A significant site for Deschampsia Burwood Takahe Rearing Unit 15 chicks caespitosa has been found in jointed rush are being raised for release next spring. at the upper tidal reaches of Lords River.

RARE BITS No. 36. April 2000 21 OTHER BITS Restoration Resumé review has been completed and policy is in place. Over the last 10 months Alan Saunders Other recommendations that were has been reviewing the six departmental approved relate to improving planning mainland restoration projects in response and reporting procedures and enhancing to a call from the programme sponsor cooperation and skills sharing between (John Cumberpatch) for specific projects. Other more far-reaching recommendations. recommendations – including the A draft report containing 13 establishment of a national restoration recommendations was submitted in experiment and enhancing capacity November and following further building opportunities are on hold discussion, a number were subsequently pending completion of ecosystem endorsed by the General Management management policy. Team. In particular, the need for strategic On the ground, important progress and policy to guide ecological restoration significant new advances continue to be activities was reinforced. A follow-up made at Mainland Islands. Recent re- technical review was also commissioned introductions include robins to the to address aspects of these projects in Paengaroa reserve, and kiwi to Boundary further detail. This follow-up review is Stream. At a recent meeting at the Rotoiti to be completed by 30 November 2000 Nature Recovery Project the midday in time for the 2001/2002 business chorus of bellbirds was truly impressive! planning round. It has been resolved that A Mainland Island Hui is planned at St the six existing projects will be Arnaud in early July where project staff maintained, subject to minor changes, and associated technical specialists can at least until the follow-up technical again meet to share information and perspectives.

Rare Bits is issued four times a year by the Biodiversity Recovery Unit (BRU), Department of Conservation, Tory Street, Wellington. Copy deadline for the next issue is 10 June 2000. Articles about threatened species management issues are welcome from anyone. Send them to the Editor, Rare Bits, BRU, Department of Conservation, PO Box 10-420, Wellington, in Word, on a floppy disk, or as an Email attachment (internet mail: [email protected]). Please follow these word limits: Conservancy News 800 words, Restoration Resumé 500 words, Island Roundup 1000 words, Other Bits 900 words, Feature Article 800 words. Articles should be clean (ie, free of any formatting) and any graphs or figures should be saved as TIF files. DoC staff can access Rare Bits through the S&R publications icon on the Intranet. Rare Bits can also be accessed through the department’s website - www.doc.govt.nz on the Internet.

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