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In New Zealand, translocation of native species is increasingly being proposed and carried out by community groups as well as the Department of Conservation (DOC). Usually a formal translocation proposal needs to be prepared and approved. Trends in the number and type of proposals approved during 2002-2010 are discussed. Over 300 translocation proposals were approved in this period. Many proposals consisted of more than one transfer. In 2002, proposals from community groups and joint proposals with DOC made up 16% of the approved proposals. In 2005 this had increased to 58%, but it dropped down to 38% in 2007 and in 2010 it had again increased to 71%. Proposals to move birds made up the largest proportion of applications (74%), followed by reptiles (15%), plants (6%) and invertebrates (5%). Kiwi (
Apteryx spp.), robin (
Petroica spp.), North Island kokako (
Callaeas wilsoni) and seabird species (including Procellariformes, Spheniscidae and Laridae) were the most commonly translocated species. In response to the increased number of applications from community groups to carry out translocations, DOC has revised and improved the process for carrying out native species translocation projects.