DOCSLIB.ORG

Full Article

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

NOTORNIS Journal of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand Volume 34 Part 4 December 1987 OFFICERS 1986-87 President - B. BROWN, 20 Redmount Place, Red Hill, Papakura Vice-president - D. E. CROCKETT, 21 McMillan Ave., Kamo, Whangarei Editor - B. D. HEATHER, 10 Jocelyn Crescent, Silverstream Treasurer - W. L. ORMOND, PO. Box 6006, WeIlesley St PO., Auckland 1 Secretary - SUE TRIGGS, PO. Box 12397, Wellington Council Members: BEN D. BELL, Zoology Dept., Victoria University, Private Bag, Wellington BRIAN D. BELL, 9 Ferry Road, Seatoun, Wellington B. J. GILL, Auckland Institute & Museum, Private Bag, Auckland J. HAWKINS, 772 Atawhai Drive, Nelson D. J. ONLEY, Little Totara Farm, Private Bag, Westport H. A. ROBERTSON, Ecology Division, DSIR, Lower Hutt P. M. SAGAR, 38A Yardley Street, Christchurch 4 Conveners and Organisers: Rare Birds Committee: Secretary, Dr M. J. IMBER, P.O. Box 12397, Wellington Beach Patrol: R. G. POWLESLAND, P.0. Box 12397, Rllington Librarian: K. R. BARROW, 67A Taylor Road, Mangere Bridge, Auckland Nest Records: H. A. ROBERTSON, Ecology Division, DSIR, Private Bag, Lower Hutt Banding Liaison Offcer: I;. GURR, 84 Marne Street, Palmerston North Reviews Editor: D. G. MEDWAY, 25A Norman Street, New Plymouth Classified Summarised Notes - North Island: B. R. KEELEY, 4 De Vere Crescent, Hamilton South Island: P. D. GAZE, Ecology Division, DSIR, Private Bag, Nelson S.W. Pacific Island Records: J. L. MOORE, 32 Brook St., Lower Hutt Editor of OSNZ news: I? SAGAR, 38A Yardley St., Christchurch 4 SUBSCRIPTIONS AND MEMBERSHIP Annual Subscripion: Ordinary Member $30; Husband & Wife members $45; Junior Member (under 20) $1 5; Life Member $600; Family member (one Notornis per household); being other Eamily of a member in the same household as a member, $15; Institution $60; Overseas member and overseas institytion $6.00 extra (postage). Subscriptions are for the calendar year of first joining and are renewed by invoice each January. Please pay promptly to ensure receiving Notomis and OSNZ news. Applications for membership, changes of address, resignations and advice on non-delivery of Notornis and OSNZ news should be sent to:- Membership Secretary, The Ornithological Society of N.Z. Inc., PO. Box 6006, Ellesley St. PO., Auckland 1. Exchanges and library subscriptions should be sent to the Treasurer. Editorial matters ONLY should be sent to the Editor. [Registered with the GPO Gisborne as a publication] ISSN 0029-4470 CONTENTS BARTLE, J. A., SAGAR, P.M. Intraspecific variation in the New Zealand Bellbird. ............................................................25 3 READ, A. F., (YDONNELL, C. F. J. Abundance of Yellowheads in the Hawdon River valley, Arthur's Pass National Park, in 1983 and 1984 .......................................................................307 BEAUCHAMP, A. J. The social structure of the Weka (GaIlitallus azrstralis) at Double Cove, Marlborough Sounds.................. 317 POWLESLAND, ,R.G., ROBERTSON H. A. Changes in Gull numbers and notes on other birds of the Otaki-Ohau coast . 327 Short Notes BROUWER, P. and S., BINNING, B. Skuas mobbing Black-backed Gulls ............................... .... .................................... 306 MORRISON, K. Cattle Egrets in Fiordland National Park 1973-1987 3 15 DOWDING, J. E. A beach-wrecked White-naped Petrel............. 325 Obituary - Count K. A. Wodzicki OBE,'PLD, DSc, FRSNZ .... 339 Notice ...................................................................................342 Letter ...................................................................................343 1st International Conference on Penguins 16-19 August 1988 - Dunedin, N.Z. Curmat resend sad antdevelopments For furtber information please write te: 1st International Conference on Penguins University Extension University of Otago P.O. Box 56 Dunedin, New Zealand. Printed by TE RAU PRESS LTD, Peel St-. GLbomc REGIONAL REPRJSENTATIVES FAR NORTH: Vacant. NORTHLAND: D. E. Crockett, 21 McMillan Ave., Kamo, Whangarei. Ph. 50-954. AUCKLAND: M. J. Xylor, 28 Awarua Crescent, Orakei, Auckland 5. Ph. 549-234. SOUTH AUCKLAND: Anthea Goodwin, RD1, Clwedon. WAIKATO: Stella Me, 1 Corrin St., Hamilton. Ph. 435-199 BAY OF PLENTY: F! C. M. Latham, 72 Simpson Road, Papamoa Beach, Ph. 420-406 Tauranga. VOLCANIC PLATEAU: J. G. Innes, Loop Road, Okareka, Rotorua. Ph. 28-107. GISBORNEIWAIROA: J. C. Henley, 61456 Aberdeen Rd.. Gisborne. Ph. 81-581. TARANAKI: D. G. Medway, 25A Norman Street, New Plymouth. MANAWATU: L. J. Davies, Stace's had, RD1, Falmerston North. WANGANUI: ) Ph. 70-159. HAWKES BAY: K. V. Todd, 21416 E. Heretaunga Street, Hastings. Ph. 82-172. WAIRARAPA: Vacant. WELLINGTON. R. N. Thomas, 6 Satara Crescent, Khandallah, Wellington 4. Ph. 791-165. NELSON: J. Hawkins, 772 Atawhai Drive, Nelson. Ph. 520-151. MARLBOROUGH: Beverley North, PO. Box 341, ~leheirn.9. 88-585. CANTERBURY: B. R. Armstrong (acting), 60 Frankleigh Street, Christchurch 2. Ph. 324-784. WEST COAST C. S. Lauder, 9 Winnie Street, Greymouth. Ph. 6349. OTAGO: I? Schweigman, 121 Maryhill Terrace, Maryhill, Dunedin. Ph. 52-790. SOUTHLAND: W. J. Cooper, 218 Chelmsford Street, Invercargill. Ph. 75-281. LITERATURE AVAILABLE From all bookshops: Collins guide to the birds of New Zealand by R. A. Falla, R. B. Sibson and E. G. Turbott $30.25 From M. Bishop, Maungakura Road, R.D.3, Helensville: Back numbers of 'Notornis': Fdrts of Vo1. 1-25, $3.OO per art: Vols. 26-29, $5.00 per part; Vpls. 30-34 $6.00 per part; dplus 10% for postage and pack m Nk). Re rts and bulletms (1938-?4$) 0%~Library catalogue (1976 ed) 17 pp. Bandin re orts, Nos. 8-14 554 each Kermadiec hqxdition 19d, b A. T. Edgar. Amendments & ~ddifionsto 1570 ChecM~st. NOTORNIS is the journal of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand (Inc.) Editor B. D. Heather, 10 Jocelyn Crescent, SILVERSTREAM VOLUME 34 PART 4 DECEMBER 1987 INTRASPECIFIC VARIATION IN THE NEW ZEALAND BELLBIRD Anthornis melanura By J. A. BARTLE and P. M. SAGAR ABSTRACT Intraspecific variation in morphometrics, plumage colouration, moult and breeding is described and its taxonomic significance assessed. There is a latitudinal cline in morphometrics and colouration among mainland, nearshore island, and Auckland Is populations. Southern bellbirds are larger and more brightly coloured, but they have shorter bills. Intensity and hue of the iridescent head and olive-green plumage colouration are determined by the degree of melanism, which increases southward and on all isolated islands but the Three Kings. Age and sex differences in plumage colouration are also caused by the different degrees of melanism. The degree of melanism may be reduced by the dryness of the environment, particularly in the period before moult. Overlain on this cline are insular trends in morphometrics, colouration, moult, and breeding pattern. Bellbirds, particularly males, from isolated islands are larger than those on the mainland, whereas clutches are fewer and smaller, and breeding seasons and adult moult earlier. The sue increase occurs whether other species of honeyeater are present or not and may result from high densities and the increased tendency of males and females to use different feeding niches. The relative body proportions of island populations vary and wing length does not increase as rapidly as body size. A new subspecies is described from the Poor Knights Is. It is characterised by a distinctly blue rather than violet iridescent head in males, an immature plumage phase, and other differences in sue, relative proportions, breeding, and time of moult. The nomenclature and taxonomic status of other island subspecies and of the extinct Northland bellbird A. dumerilii are reviewed. A. dumerilii and A. incoronara are regarded as synonyms of A.m. melanura. CONTENTS INTRODUCTION MATERIAL AND METHODS NOMENCLATURE Cenhia melanura Sparrman, 1786 Philedon dumerilii Lesson & Garnot, 1828 Anthornis melanocephala G. R. Gray, 1843 Anthornis incoronata Bangs, 191 1 Anthornis melanura obscura Falla, 1948 NOTORNIS 34: 253-306 (1987) 254 BARTLE AND SAGAR BREEDING Three Kings Islands Poor Knights Islands Mainland New Zealand Chatham Islands Conclusion PLUMAGES AND MOULT CYCLES IN BELLBIRDS Poor Knights Islands Mainland New Zealand Auckland Islands Chatham Islands Three Kings Islands Conclusion PLUMAGE COLOURATION IN BELLBIRDS Plumage colouration and the role of melanin Variation with age and sex Patterns of clinal and insular variation Discussion MORPHOMETRIC VARIATION IN BELLBIRDS Variation with sex and age Clinal variation Variation in island populations CAUSES OF CLINAL AND INSULAR VARIATION Expansion of niche width on islands Changes in size and colour Summary TAXONOMIC SIGNIFICANCE OF BELLBIRD VARIATION Criteria used for subspecific recognition The extinct bellbird of Northland: Philedon dumerilii Lesson & Garnot, 1828 Current status of Anthornis incoronata Bangs, 1911 Current status of A. melanocephala G.R. Gray, 1843 Current status of A. melanura obscura Falla, 1948 Anthornis melanura oneho n. subsp. Proposed subspecific arrangement INTRODUCTION Of the 19 indigenous passerine bird species still living in New Zealand, three are honeyeaters (Meliphagidae). Each of these honeyeaters represents a different endemic genus. They eat somewhat different foods obtained by different foraging habits (Craig et al. 1981a). All three are sympatric, but the Stitchbird (Notiomystis cincta) is now confined to Hen, Cuvier, and Little Barrier Islands. Bellbirds (Anthornis melanura) are widespread in New Zealand, from the subtropical Three Kings
Recommended publications
  • The Impact of Electrocution on the New Zealand Falcon (Falco Novaeseelandiae)

    The Impact of Electrocution on the New Zealand Falcon (Falco Novaeseelandiae)

    71 Notornis, 2010, Vol. 57: 71-74 0029-4470 © The Ornithological Society of New Zealand, Inc. The impact of electrocution on the New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae) NICK C. FOX International Wildlife Consultants (UK) Ltd, PO Box 19, Carmarthen SA33 5YL, Wales, UK COLIN WYNN 26 Glenroy Crescent, Blenheim, New Zealand Abstract In a 5 year radiotracking study of 55 falcons on the Wairau Plain, Marlborough, the causes of death in 21 birds were identified. Of these, 10 (47%) falcons were electrocuted (7 juvenile females, 1 adult female, 1 juvenile male, and 1 adult male). Seven of the 10 poles were fitted with transformers. This level of mortality is thought to be too high to sustain a population of falcons. Suggestions are made how to mitigate the problem. Fox, N.C.; Wynn, C. 2010. The impact of electrocution on the New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae). Notornis 57(2): 71-74. Keywords New Zealand falcon; Falco novaeseelandiae; electrocution; Marlborough; mortality INTRODUCTION witnessed a peregrine (Falco peregrinus) lodged for Wild birds have been electrocuted on installations 10 minutes, burning on the cross-pole, before falling in New Zealand for many years, but the impact of to the ground in flames. Sometimes birds survive the problem has not yet been quantified. There is an electrocution but suffer burnt feet or internal organ extensive literature from other countries on levels damage. On one occasion, 2 prairie falcons (F. of bird electrocution and on designs of electrical mexicanus) were seen to be electrocuted and took 5 installations that can reduce the hazard (Ivanov days to die.
  • Hihi-Stitchbird

    Hihi-Stitchbird

    Hihi / stitchbird Notiomystis cincta What are they? What is being done? Hihi once occurred throughout the North Island but A number of hihi transfers have been made to Kapiti, disappeared by 1885, surviving only on Little Barrier not all of them successful. Transfers have been Island. Mäori valued them for their brilliant yellow most successful when the birds have been released breast feathers which only the males have. Norway immediately into areas where there are no other hihi rats were probably the cause of their demise. They living. A feed of sugar water helps them to establish now live on three islands, including Little Barrier themselves in their new home. Island, their stronghold, Great Barrier and Kapiti. Hihi struggle to survive on Kapiti Island unassisted. Hihi nest and roost in vegetation clumps and old They rely on the Kapiti ranger to provide them with trees with holes which makes them easy targets for supplementary feed of sugar water all year round at ship rats. Hihi is the only bird known to mate face artificial feeding stations. The feeders are designed to face. Hihi bond with single or multiple mates to prevent other birds from taking the food thus depending on circumstances. They lay on average reducing competition with other nectar feeders. four eggs a year but their breeding and success rate When provided with year round supplementary food, depends on the availability of food. the birds do well and the hihi population on Kapiti Island is increasing every year. You can see feeders Hihi will feed on fruit, nectar and invertebrates.
  • New Zealand Comprehensive II Trip Report 31St October to 16Th November 2016 (17 Days)

    New Zealand Comprehensive II Trip Report 31St October to 16Th November 2016 (17 Days)

    New Zealand Comprehensive II Trip Report 31st October to 16th November 2016 (17 days) The Critically Endangered South Island Takahe by Erik Forsyth Trip report compiled by Tour Leader: Erik Forsyth RBL New Zealand – Comprehensive II Trip Report 2016 2 Tour Summary New Zealand is a must for the serious seabird enthusiast. Not only will you see a variety of albatross, petrels and shearwaters, there are multiple- chances of getting out on the high seas and finding something unusual. Seabirds dominate this tour and views of most birds are alongside the boat. There are also several land birds which are unique to these islands: kiwis - terrestrial nocturnal inhabitants, the huge swamp hen-like Takahe - prehistoric in its looks and movements, and wattlebirds, the saddlebacks and Kokako - poor flyers with short wings Salvin’s Albatross by Erik Forsyth which bound along the branches and on the ground. On this tour we had so many highlights, including close encounters with North Island, South Island and Little Spotted Kiwi, Wandering, Northern and Southern Royal, Black-browed, Shy, Salvin’s and Chatham Albatrosses, Mottled and Black Petrels, Buller’s and Hutton’s Shearwater and South Island Takahe, North Island Kokako, the tiny Rifleman and the very cute New Zealand (South Island wren) Rockwren. With a few members of the group already at the hotel (the afternoon before the tour started), we jumped into our van and drove to the nearby Puketutu Island. Here we had a good introduction to New Zealand birding. Arriving at a bay, the canals were teeming with Black Swans, Australasian Shovelers, Mallard and several White-faced Herons.
  • THE ECOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS of the NEW ZEALAND FALCON (Falco Novaeseelandiae) in PLANTATION FORESTRY

    THE ECOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS of the NEW ZEALAND FALCON (Falco Novaeseelandiae) in PLANTATION FORESTRY

    Copyright is owned by the Author of the thesis. Permission is given for a copy to be downloaded by an individual for the purpose of research and private study only. The thesis may not be reproduced elsewhere without the permission of the Author. THE ECOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE NEW ZEALAND FALCON (Falco novaeseelandiae) IN PLANTATION FORESTRY A thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand Richard Seaton 2007 Adult female New Zealand falcon. D. Stewart 2003. “The hawks, eagles and falcons have been an inspiration to people of all races and creeds since the dawn of civilisation. We cannot afford to lose any species of the birds of prey without an effort commensurate with the inspiration of courage, integrity and nobility that they have given humanity…If we fail on this point, we fail in the basic philosophy of feeling a part of our universe and all that goes with it.” Morley Nelson, 2002. iii iv ABSTRACT Commercial pine plantations made up of exotic tree species are increasingly recognised as habitats that can contribute significantly to the conservation of indigenous biodiversity in New Zealand. Encouraging this biodiversity by employing sympathetic forestry management techniques not only offers benefits for indigenous flora and fauna but can also be economically advantageous for the forestry industry. The New Zealand falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae) or Karearea, is a threatened species, endemic to the islands of New Zealand, that has recently been discovered breeding in pine plantations. This research determines the ecological requirements of New Zealand falcons in this habitat, enabling recommendations for sympathetic forestry management to be made.
  • Nga¯ Tohu O Nga¯ Kairaranga: the Signs of the Weavers Hokimate Pamela Harwood Memory Connection Volume 1 Number 1 © 2011 the Memory Waka

    Nga¯ Tohu O Nga¯ Kairaranga: the Signs of the Weavers Hokimate Pamela Harwood Memory Connection Volume 1 Number 1 © 2011 the Memory Waka

    Memory Connection Volume 1 Number 1 © 2011 The Memory Waka Nga¯ Tohu o nga¯ Kairaranga: The Signs of the Weavers Hokimate Pamela Harwood Memory Connection Volume 1 Number 1 © 2011 The Memory Waka Nga¯ Tohu o nga¯ Kairaranga: The Signs of the Weavers Hokimate Pamela Harwood Abstract The whakapapa (genealogy) and histories of iwi Ma¯ori (tribe/peoples) are continued within oral histories, and they are represented in our taonga (Ma¯ori treasures) such as toi whakairo (carving), ta¯ moko (tattoo), and whatu raranga (weaving). This article explores findings from the feather identification of Ma¯ori ka¯kahu (cloaks) in the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. By examining the techniques and materials used in the making of selected cloaks, I reflect on how this information can potentially tell us about the weaver, the intended wearer, events, and the time and environment in which they were living. I argue that the discovery of possible feather “signatures” in ka¯kahu means that cloaks are a tangible form of retaining histories and memories. Finally, I propose that museums play an important role in unlocking and interpreting the knowledge needed to reconnect these taonga to their origins. Keywords: whakapapa, taonga, weavers, Ma¯ori, cloaks, feathers, signatures, museum 437 Nga¯Tohu o nga¯Kairaranga: The Signs of the Weavers Hokimate Pamela Harwood Rarangahia te korari ka kitea te wha¯nau Weave the flax and find the family Whakairotia te ra¯kau ka kitea te tupuna Carve the wood and find the ancestor Ta¯mokohia te kiri ka kitea te tangata Incise the skin and find the person.
  • Kiwi (Apteryx Spp.) on Offshore New Zealand Islands

    Kiwi (Apteryx Spp.) on Offshore New Zealand Islands

    Kiwi (Apteryx spp.) on offshore New Zealand islands Populations, translocations and identification of potential release sites DOC RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SERIES 208 Rogan Colbourne Published by Department of Conservation PO Box 10–420 Wellington, New Zealand DOC Research & Development Series is a published record of scientific research carried out, or advice given, by Department of Conservation staff or external contractors funded by DOC. It comprises reports and short communications that are peer-reviewed. Individual contributions to the series are first released on the departmental website in pdf form. Hardcopy is printed, bound, and distributed at regular intervals. Titles are also listed in our catalogue on the website, refer http://www.doc.govt.nz under Publications, then Science and research. © Copyright May 2005, New Zealand Department of Conservation ISSN 1176–8886 ISBN 0–478–22686–1 This report was prepared for publication by Science & Technical Publishing Section; editing by Helen O’Leary and Lynette Clelland and layout by Lynette Clelland. Publication was approved by the Chief Scientist (Research, Development & Improvement Division), Department of Conservation, Wellington, New Zealand. In the interest of forest conservation, we support paperless electronic publishing. When printing, recycled paper is used wherever possible. CONTENTS Abstract 5 1. Introduction 6 2. Methods 8 3. Results 9 3.1 Islands with kiwi naturally present or known from translocations 9 3.2 Identifying island sites for potential translocation of kiwi 22 4. Discussion 22 5. Acknowledgements 23 6. References 23 Kiwi (Apteryx spp.) on offshore New Zealand islands Populations, translocations and identification of potential release sites Rogan Colbourne Kiwi Recovery Group, Department of Conservation, PO Box 10 420, Wellington, New Zealand ABSTRACT At least five species and six taxa of kiwi (Apteryx spp.) are recognised at present.
  • WINNER IS … 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 1 by Iona Mcnaughton the Winners So Far the Bird of the Year Competition Was Started As A

    WINNER IS … 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 1 by Iona Mcnaughton the Winners So Far the Bird of the Year Competition Was Started As A

    AND THE WINNER IS … 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 1 by Iona McNaughton The Winners So Far The Bird of the Year competition was started as a way of making people more interested in native 2005: Tūī 2010 New Zealand birds. Many of our native birds are 2006: Pīwakawaka – Fantail endangered, so if people know more about them, 2007: Riroriro – Grey warbler they can help to keep the birds safe. 2008: Kākāpō New Zealand native birds are given a “danger status”. 2009: Kiwi 2011 This shows how much danger they are in of becoming 2010: Kākāriki karaka – Orange-fronted parakeet extinct. The birds are either “doing OK”, “in some 2011: Pūkeko trouble”, or “in serious trouble”. Sadly, only about 2012: Kārearea – New Zealand falcon 20 percent of New Zealand native birds are 2013: Mohua – Yellowhead “doing OK”. 2014: Tara iti – Fairy tern 2012 Danger status This article has 2015: Kuaka – Bar-tailed godwit information about 2016: Kōkako some of the birds Kea In some Doing 2017: of the year – including trouble OK 2018: Kererū – New Zealand pigeon their danger status. 2013 In serious trouble 10 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 Bird of the Year 2006: Pīwakawaka – Fantail Bird of the Year 2005: Tūī Danger status Doing OK Danger status Doing OK Description Endemic Small body with a long tail that it can Description Endemic spread out like a fan A large bird (up to 32 centimetres long) About 16 centimetres long with shiny green-black feathers and a tu of white throat feathers What it eats Insects What it eats Insects.
  • New Zealand Comprehensive III 16Th November – 2Nd December 2017 Trip Report

    New Zealand Comprehensive III 16Th November – 2Nd December 2017 Trip Report

    New Zealand Comprehensive III 16th November – 2nd December 2017 Trip Report Gibson’s Wandering Albatross off Kaikoura by Erik Forsyth Trip Report compiled by Tour Leader Erik Forsyth Rockjumper Birding Tours | New Zealand www.rockjumperbirding.com Trip Report – RBL New Zealand - Comprehensive III 2017 2 Daily Diary New Zealand is a must for the serious seabird enthusiast. Not only will you see a variety of albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters, but there are good chances of getting out on the high seas and finding something unusual. Seabirds dominate this tour, and views of most birds are right alongside the boat. There are also several land birds which are unique to these islands: the kiwis – terrestrial nocturnal inhabitants; the huge swamp-hen like takahe – prehistoric in its looks and movements; and then the wattlebirds (the saddlebacks and kokako) – poor flyers with short wings, which bound along the branches and on the ground. We had so many highlights on this tour, including close encounters with Little Spotted Kiwi, walk-away views of a pair of North Island Kokako, both North and South Island Saddlebacks and a pair of the impressive South Island Takahe. With many boat trips, the pelagic list was long, with Wandering, Northern and Southern Royal, Salvin’s, Black-browed, Campbell and White-capped Albatrosses, Westland, Cook’s and White- chinned Petrels, Buller’s, Flesh-footed and New Zealand (Red-breasted) Plover by Erik Forsyth Hutton’s Shearwaters, and Common Diving Petrel being a few of the highlights. Other major highlights included twelve New Zealand King Shag, a pair of Blue Duck with one chick, nine of the critically endangered Black Stilt, the rare Stitchbird, New Zealand Kaka, the entertaining Kea, range- restricted New Zealand Rockwren, the tiny Rifleman and lastly the striking Yellowhead, to name a few.
  • Best Practice Techniques for the Translocation of Whiteheads (Popokatea, Mohoua Albicilla)

    Best Practice Techniques for the Translocation of Whiteheads (Popokatea, Mohoua Albicilla)

    Best practice techniques for the translocation of whiteheads (popokatea, Mohoua albicilla) Ralph Powlesland and Kevin Parker Cover: Whitehead, Tiritiri Matangi Island. Photo: Martin Sanders. © Copyright April 2014, New Zealand Department of Conservation Published by the Terrestrial Ecosystems Unit, National Office, Science and Capability Group, Department of Conservation, PO Box 10420, The Terrace, Wellington 6143, New Zealand. Editing and design by the Publishing Team, National Office, Department of Conservation, PO Box 10420, The Terrace, Wellington 6143, New Zealand. CONTENTS Abstract 1 1. Introduction 2 2. Animal welfare requirements 3 3. Transfer team 3 4. Time of year for transfer 3 5. Number of transfers 4 6. Composition of transfer group 4 7. Sexing whiteheads 4 7.1 Appearance 4 7.2 Measurements 5 7.3 DNA sexing 6 8. Ageing whiteheads 7 9. Capture 7 10. Transfer to base for ‘processing’ 7 11. Processing the birds 8 12. Temporary housing in aviaries 10 12.1 Capture in the aviary on transfer day 12 13. Feeding 14 14. Whitehead husbandry 15 15. Transfer box design 15 16. Transport 16 17. Release 17 18. Post-release monitoring 17 18.1 Purpose 17 18.2 Recommended monitoring 19 19. Record keeping 19 20. References 21 Appendix 1 Details of report contributors 23 Appendix 2 Feeding protocol for whiteheads being held in temporary aviaries 24 Appendix 3 Recipes for whitehead foods 25 Best practice techniques for the translocation of whiteheads (popokatea, Mohoua albicilla) Ralph Powlesland1 and Kevin Parker2 1 606 Manaroa Road, Manaroa, RD 2, Picton, New Zealand [email protected] 2 Parker Conservation, Auckland, New Zealand parkerconservation.co.nz Abstract This document outlines best practice techniques for the translocation of whiteheads (popokatea, Mohoua albicilla).
  • Torr, 2002. Eradication of Rabbits and Mice from Subantarctic Enderby and Rose Islands. in Turning

    Torr, 2002. Eradication of Rabbits and Mice from Subantarctic Enderby and Rose Islands. in Turning

    Eradication of rabbits and mice from subantarctic Enderby and Rose Islands N. Torr Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 29, Te Anau, New Zealand. Current address: 64 Mokonui Street, Te Anau, New Zealand. E-mail: [email protected] Abstract In 1993 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus cuniculus) were eradicated from Enderby (700ha) and Rose (80ha) islands in the New Zealand subantarctic Auckland Island group. This was achieved by a widespread poison campaign followed by an intensive second phase which included hunting with a dog, spotlighting and trapping. During the poison campaign a helicopter was used to apply a cereal pelleted bait incorporating the anticoagulant toxin brodifacoum to both islands. Mice (Mus musculus), which were present on Enderby, disappeared during the poison campaign and appear to have been eradicated during this phase. The potential impacts to non-target species were assessed prior to the operation. Although the poisoning had a notable short-term impact on skua (Stercorarius skua lonnburgi) numbers there has been no obvious long-term impact on any non-target species. Rabbits and mice were the last of several introduced mammal species to be removed from Enderby and Rose. Without them the unique ecological values of these islands have a chance to recover. Keywords Eradication; rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus cuniculus; mice, Mus musculus; Auckland Islands; Enderby Island. INTRODUCTION Plan for these islands, to eradicate all alien animals as soon as is feasible (Penniket et al. 1987). Goats were eradi- The Auckland Islands are an uninhabited subantarctic cated from Auckland Island between 1989 and 1991 (A. group lying 460 km south of New Zealand, at approxi- Cox pers.
  • Machine Learning Applied to Fourteen Agricultural Datasets

    Machine Learning Applied to Fourteen Agricultural Datasets

    Machine Learning Applied to Fourteen Agricultural Datasets Kirsten Thomson Robert J. McQueen Machine Learning Group Department of Computer Science University of Waikato Research Report September, 1996 Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Machine Learning........................................................................................................ 1 1.2 The WEKA machine learning workbench.....................................................................2 1.3 Characteristics of the datasets ...................................................................................... 3 1.4 Classes and accuracy.................................................................................................... 3 1.5 WEKA Workbench functions and machine learning schemes used................................ 4 1.6 The results of the tests ................................................................................................. 4 2. APPLE BRUISING........................................................................................................... 6 2.1 Original research.......................................................................................................... 6 2.2 Machine learning..........................................................................................................6 2.3 Discussion of results.................................................................................................
  • Stitchbird (Hihi), Notiomystis Cincta Recovery Plan

    Stitchbird (Hihi), Notiomystis Cincta Recovery Plan

    Stitchbird (Hihi), Notiomystis cincta Recovery Plan Threatened Species Recovery plan Series No. 20 Department of Conservation Threatened Species Unit PO Box 10-420 Wellington New Zealand Prepared by: Gretchen Rasch,Shaarina Boyd and Suzanne Clegg for the Threatened Species Unit. April 1996 © Department of Conservation ISSN 1170-3806 ISBN 0-478-01709-6 Cover photo: C.R. Veitch, Department of Conservation CONTENTS page 1. Introduction 1 2. Distribution and Cause of Decline 3 2.1 Past distribution 3 2.2 Present distribution 3 2.3 Possible reasons for decline 3 3. Ecology 7 3.1 Foods and feeding 7 3.2 Competition with other honeyeaters 7 3.3 Habitat 8 4. Recovery to Date 9 4.1 Transferred populations 9 4.2 Captive population 11 5. Recovery Strategy 13 5.1 Long term goal 13 5.2 Short term objectives 13 6. Work Plan 15 6.1 Protect all islands with stitchbirds 15 6.2 Monitor stitchbirds on Little Barrier island 15 6.3 Monitor and (where necessary) enhance stitchbird populations on existing transfer sites 16 6.4 Establish self-sustaining populations of stitchbirds in other locations 18 6.5 Support captive breeding programme 18 6.6 Advocacy 19 6.7 Research needs 20 References 23 Appendices 1. Stitchbird Ecology 2. Criteria for assessing suitability of sites for stitchbird transfer. FIGURES page 1. Present distribution of stitchbird (Notiomystis cincta) 4 2. Average number of stitchbirds counted per transect on Little Barrier Island 1975-1989 5 3. Percentage of food types in stitchbird diet, Little Barrier Island 1982-1984 7 Percentage of foods used by honeyeaters on Little Barrier 1982-1983 Appendix 1, p 1 Nectar used by honeyeaters in the Tirikakawa Valley, Little Barrier 1983-1984 Appendix 1, p2 TABLES page 1.