Birding Extravaganza
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Kakapo: Rescued from the Brink of Extinction
AJE: Australasian Journal of Ecocriticism and Cultural Ecology, Vol. 1, 2011/2012 ASLEC-ANZ Kakapo: Rescued from the Brink of Extinction. By Alison Ballance. Nelson, NZ: Craig Potton Publishing, 2010. 200 pp. Cloth $49.95 Winner of the 2011 Royal Society of New Zealand Science Book Prize ‘Kakapo: Another act of Brinkmanship’ New Zealand-Aotearoa’s long history of geographical and evolutionary isolation with its consequential endemism, followed by the rapid human-induced extinctions brought of the past 800 years is now all too well understood. An absence of mammals, bizarre evolutionary ‘surrogates’ and, perhaps a statement about local resilience in a planetary context, the impact of new species on its ecosystems – all this is part of the Department of Conservation (DOC)’s ‘received’ version. What is still only poorly discerned is how much the efforts of DOC and its associates in the prodigious recovery operations that have become a feature of endangered native bird survival over the past few decades, is an expression of our culture. The black robin, the takahe, little spotted, great and brown kiwi, k!kako, stitchbird, saddleback and mohua, among others, have, to varying degrees, each been perilously and famously close to extinction, but all have been ‘hauled back from the brink’. Rightly, New Zealanders collectively bask in the success of these dizzying missions, that often take decades of work and multiple, painstaking strategies to make a difference. These achievements may be characterised in terms of Western medicine. We in the West have come to be comforted by the fact of the medical ‘Golden Hour’. -
Translocation of Great Spotted Kiwi/Roa to Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project
Translocation of great spotted kiwi/roa (Apteryx haasti) to Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project Gasson P.A. DECEMBER 2005 Published by Department of Conservation Private Bag 5 Nelson, New Zealand (PM2005/9035) Publ.info. Occasional Publication No. 67 ISSN 0113-3853 ISBN 0-478-14086-X CONTENTS Executive Summary 5 1. Introduction 6 2. Background 8 2.1 Great spotted kiwi biology and conservation 8 2.2 Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project 10 2.3 Purpose of the translocation 11 2.4 Previous attempts at establishing mainland kiwi populations 12 3. Development of the translocation proposal 14 3.1 Choice of kiwi species 14 3.2 Development of the operational plan 14 3.3 Choice of a source population 15 3.4 Consultation with iwi 16 3.5 Health assessment of the source population 17 3.6 Translocation approval 18 4. Transfer methods 19 4.1 Kiwi collection methods 19 4.2 Measuring, marking and health sampling 20 4.3 Holding and transportation methods 21 4.4 Release method 22 5. Transfer results 24 5.1 Collection results 24 5.2 Holding and transportation results 26 5.3 Release results 27 5.4 Health sampling results 29 6. Discussion of transfer methods and results 33 7. Post-release monitoring methods 35 7.1 Distribution monitoring 35 7.2 Breeding monitoring 36 7.3 Recapture and physical examination methods 36 8. Post-release monitoring results 38 8.1 Dispersal 38 8.2 Pair bond survival 41 8.3 Habitat usage 41 8.4 Breeding 43 8.5 Physical examinations 45 9. Post-release kiwi management 47 9.1 Management approach 47 9.2 Dispersal management 47 9.3 Road signs 48 9.4 Dog management 48 9.5 Possum control 49 10. -
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) 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. -
Foraging Ecology of the World's Only
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. FORAGING ECOLOGY OF THE WORLD’S ONLY POPULATION OF THE CRITICALLY ENDANGERED TASMAN PARAKEET (CYANORAMPHUS COOKII), ON NORFOLK ISLAND A thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Conservation Biology at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand. Amy Waldmann 2016 The Tasman parakeet (Cyanoramphus cookii) Photo: L. Ortiz-Catedral© ii ABSTRACT I studied the foraging ecology of the world’s only population of the critically endangered Tasman parakeet (Cyanoramphus cookii) on Norfolk Island, from July 2013 to March 2015. I characterised, for the first time in nearly 30 years of management, the diversity of foods consumed and seasonal trends in foraging heights and foraging group sizes. In addition to field observations, I also collated available information on the feeding biology of the genus Cyanoramphus, to understand the diversity of species and food types consumed by Tasman parakeets and their closest living relatives as a function of bill morphology. I discuss my findings in the context of the conservation of the Tasman parakeet, specifically the impending translocation of the species to Phillip Island. I demonstrate that Tasman parakeets have a broad and flexible diet that includes seeds, fruits, flowers, pollen, sori, sprout rhizomes and bark of 30 native and introduced plant species found within Norfolk Island National Park. Dry seeds (predominantly Araucaria heterophylla) are consumed most frequently during autumn (81% of diet), over a foraging area of ca. -
Disaggregation of Bird Families Listed on Cms Appendix Ii
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals 2nd Meeting of the Sessional Committee of the CMS Scientific Council (ScC-SC2) Bonn, Germany, 10 – 14 July 2017 UNEP/CMS/ScC-SC2/Inf.3 DISAGGREGATION OF BIRD FAMILIES LISTED ON CMS APPENDIX II (Prepared by the Appointed Councillors for Birds) Summary: The first meeting of the Sessional Committee of the Scientific Council identified the adoption of a new standard reference for avian taxonomy as an opportunity to disaggregate the higher-level taxa listed on Appendix II and to identify those that are considered to be migratory species and that have an unfavourable conservation status. The current paper presents an initial analysis of the higher-level disaggregation using the Handbook of the Birds of the World/BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World Volumes 1 and 2 taxonomy, and identifies the challenges in completing the analysis to identify all of the migratory species and the corresponding Range States. The document has been prepared by the COP Appointed Scientific Councilors for Birds. This is a supplementary paper to COP document UNEP/CMS/COP12/Doc.25.3 on Taxonomy and Nomenclature UNEP/CMS/ScC-Sc2/Inf.3 DISAGGREGATION OF BIRD FAMILIES LISTED ON CMS APPENDIX II 1. Through Resolution 11.19, the Conference of Parties adopted as the standard reference for bird taxonomy and nomenclature for Non-Passerine species the Handbook of the Birds of the World/BirdLife International Illustrated Checklist of the Birds of the World, Volume 1: Non-Passerines, by Josep del Hoyo and Nigel J. Collar (2014); 2. -
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. -
Apteryx Haastii)
Genetic variability, distribution and abundance of great spotted kiwi (Apteryx haastii) John McLennan and Tony McCann ABSTRACT Recent information on the genetic composition, morphological features, distri- bution and abundance of great spotted kiwi is collated, analysed and used to evaluate the species’ conservation status. The species exhibits high levels of genetic variability but with no consistent geographical patterns. Some morphological variability is present along latitudinal and altitudinal gradients. Further study is warranted to determine if genetically and/ or morphologically distinct populations are present. There are currently about 22 000 great spotted kiwi spread over 6000 km2 in the northwest of the South Island. Most great spotted kiwi now live in high rainfall mountainous regions. There are three principal populations: in Northwest Nelson, the Paparoa Range, and the Arthur’s Pass–Hurunui district. Since European settlement, the species has become extirpated in eastern Nelson, part of North Westland, and the central Westland mountain valleys. Overall, the species’ range has contracted by at least 30%. The principal cause of decline is probably predation by stoats (Mustela erminea). Conservation of the intra-specific genetic and morphological diversity of great spotted kiwi is best achieved by protecting the range of extant populations, although this may be logistically difficult. The focus will probably settle on the three main population groups. We expect further declines to take place, particularly in southern Northwest Nelson and in Arthur’s Pass–Hurunui. The large populations in upland areas of Northwest Nelson and the Paparoa Range are probably stable but this needs to be monitored. The species should be classified as ‘vulnerable’ according to IUCN threat definitions. -
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. -
Conservation
SCIENCE OF ECOLOGY AND ART OF CONSERVATION Protection of native species by applying scientific principles of conservation can save New Zealand’s threatened flora and fauna from extinction. Indeed, safeguarding species diversity and abundance will ensure today’s gene pool contributes to the ability of species’ to adapt in tomorrow’s changing environment. Greater biodiversity thereby enhances opportunities for the future evolution of new species. Ecological degradation began with the arrival of humans (circa 1280 AD), along with their cargo of predators to this archipelago. Many species were lost when Polynesians and Europeans respectively destroyed 32% and 38% of the country’s natural forests. Polynesians caused the extinction of >70 native species and European’s another 12 species. Prolonged hunting and habitat loss precipitated extinction of ~58 bird species*. Introduced predators quickly gained supremacy over smaller avian and insect species. Kiore (Rattus exulans) alone led to the loss of ~23 small bird, bat, reptile and invertebrate species. The worldwide IUCN Red List contains 784 extinct species, of which 27 have been lost in the past 20 years. The Red List’s threatened species includes 45 New Zealand birds, including the North Island kokako, kaka, kiwi, kakapo and mohua. The country’s birds are prone to predation and their numbers in most cases continue to decline (Table 1). This includes extinction of the South Island kokako, last reported to occur in Teal Creek, Mount Aspiring National Park in 1967 (Fig. 1). North Island kokako (Callaeas cinerea wilsoni) with their aquamarine wattle are few, and limited mostly to the Mainland Island Restoration Project, Otamatuna, Te Urewera National Park. -
Conservation Genomics of the New Zealand Storm Petrel Andrew Veale
Conservation Genomics of the New Zealand Storm Petrel Andrew Veale The rediscovery of the New Zealand storm petrel (Fregetta maoriana) is perhaps the most exciting story of conservation for any New Zealand seabird, and a good news story among the ongoing decline of many of our species. The New Zealand storm petrel was first described from specimens obtained in the 1820s, and it was thought to be extinct for over a century until rediscovered in 2003 in the Hauraki Gulf. After a massive ten year effort, researchers found a handful of individuals breeding on Hauturu-o-toi. This population remains the only known breeding colony of this iconic bird. There remain a multitude of questions regarding the biology, ecology and conservation of this species. Is Hauturu-o-toi the only place New Zealand storm petrels breed, or are there other undetected colonies elsewhere? How many birds remain, and what has happened in their population over the last century? We plan to answer these questions using modern genomic techniques. We will look at the genetic relatedness of individuals caught at sea and from the known breeders on Hauturu-o- toi. We will model the historical demography of New Zealand storm petrels, and compare these results to those obtained for the comparatively plentiful white bellied storm petrel and the black bellied storm petrel. Given the power of these genomic analyses to determine fine-scale historical demographic trends, population structure and mixing, we will be able to identify whether multiple populations exist, determine how many individuals remain, and see if there has been recent population recovery. -
The Triumphs, Challenges and Failures of Young North Island Brown Kiwi (Apteryx Mantelli): a Study of Behaviour, Growth, Dispersal and Mortality
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 triumphs, challenges and failures of young North Island brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli): a study of behaviour, growth, dispersal and mortality Stephanie Walden A thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Zoology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand Alexandra Louise Wilson 2013 i ii Abstract North Island brown kiwi (NIBK, Apteryx mantelli), an endemic New Zealand species, are estimated to have declined by 90% from pre-human colonisation numbers. Currently, at least 60% of mortality is attributed to introduced mammalian predators, namely stoats (Mustela erminea) preying on chicks. Therefore, conservation effort focuses on predator trapping/killing, and hatching and rearing NIBK chicks in captivity and releasing them back into the wild. These efforts are resulting in increased recruitment of chicks into populations. However, little is known about the biology and behaviour of NIBK chicks in the wild and how this may affect management of these populations. Consequently, the aim of this study was to examine the ecology of young wild NIBK in a natural high density population with reduced predator diversity on Ponui Island. More specifically, the goal was to determine their growth rates, behaviour around the natal nest, dispersal and mortality, and how these factors may be influenced by environmental variables. During the 2010 - 2011 and 2011 - 2012 breeding seasons 29 young NIBK were observed from hatching until mortality or the end of 2012.