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Numbers of spotted shags (Stictocarbo punctatus) at breeding sites in Wellington Harbour, 2002 – 2012

  • Publication Type

    Journal

  • Publication Year

    2013

  • Author(s)

    S. Waugh; A. Tennyson; R. Orange; S. Sharp; R. Cotter; R. Batcheler; D. Batcheler

  • Journal Name

    Notornis

  • Volume, Issue

    60, 4

  • Pagination

    285-289

  • Article Type

    Paper

Keywords

breeding colonies; population survey; Spotted Shag; Stictocarbo punctatus; Wellington Harbour


Numbers of spotted shags (Stictocarbo punctatus) at breeding sites in Wellington Harbour, 2002 – 2012

Notornis, 60 (4), 285-289

S. Waugh; A. Tennyson; R. Orange; S. Sharp; R. Cotter; R. Batcheler; D. Batcheler (2013)

Article Type: Paper

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We conducted counts of spotted shags (Stictocarbo punctatus) at Matiu/Somes and Mokopuna islands in Wellington Harbour quarterly during the period from 2002-05 and sporadically at these sites and at Makaro/Ward Island during 2007 -12. This population is important as it is one of the few North Island breeding areas, and one of only 2 in the Wellington region. Shag numbers appear to have been stable or possibly declining during this period, with fluctuations between both months and years. An average of 210 individuals was noted during 12 comprehensive counts, with a maximum of 354 spotted shags in 2004. Breeding occurred during late winter and spring in 2010 and 2012. We recommend ongoing monitoring of this population as an important population at a New Zealand level, which is accessible and easily counted from a boat.