The Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust (MEIT) was established in 2001. In 2006 the ~3,400 ha forested mountain of Maungatautari was protected by a ~47 km pest fence, and most introduced mammals within the fence have since been eradicated. Since then, 7 locally extinct indigenous bird species have been translocated to Maungatautari, one other has self-reintroduced, and many more avian translocations are planned. There are now 20 indigenous forest bird species present (from 12 at the project’s commencement) and the total is expected to eventually exceed 30 species, many of which will be threatened species. Those avian species will be part of a functioning ecosystem that is likely to include at least 50 indigenous vertebrate species (birds, bats, lizards, tuatara, frogs and fish). The avian translocations and the restoration outcome monitoring programmes are described, and some characteristics and values of the project are discussed.
Plumage states of the long-tailed cuckoo (Eudynamys taitensis) are reviewed and summarised from examination of museum study-skins. Besides the distinctive adult plumage (barred above, white background colour below) and immature plumage (spotted above, pale brown below), some birds (13% of those in the wintering grounds, plus 1 bird from New Zealand) show a “transitional” plumage presumed to be intermediate between the immature and adult condition. Also, some pale birds found in New Zealand may represent a hitherto-unrecognised juvenile plumage. A review of distribution records (museum specimens plus published sight-records) in both the summer and winter ranges of the cuckoo confirms a vast fan-shaped distribution extending 6,000 km north from New Zealand to the tropical Pacific, and 11,000 km from east to west in the tropics. Wake Island (19.3°N) in the north, Palau (134.5°E) in the west, Henderson Island (128.3°W) in the east and the Snares Islands (48.0°S) in the south are the extreme records in this range. Records of museum specimens reveal that almost all long-tailed cuckoos returning to New Zealand in October are in adult plumage. Autumn records show a gradual northward retreat of cuckoos within New Zealand, with a stronger-than-average bias in North Island records from March to May. There is no equivalent North Island bias for the spring influx in September and October. Museum specimens from eastern Polynesia exhibited an uneven sex ratio biased towards males (74%), whereas the sex ratio elsewhere was more even. Our study confirms the vast total range of the long-tailed cuckoo and provides age-specific details of the seasonal waxing and waning of the migratory patterns of the breeding population within New Zealand.
Translocation is an important tool for the conservation management of birds in New Zealand. Early translocations marooned endangered species in predator-free environments, typically remote islands. However, modern integrated pest control, coupled with a proliferation of community-based restoration projects, has led to increased opportunities for translocations, particularly to mainland sites. Effective post-release monitoring of bird translocations is vital for improving overall translocation success. Here, we discuss why post-release monitoring is important and how it can be achieved, and suggest methods for documenting and monitoring translocation projects for birds. Key suggestions include: specifying the characteristics of each translocation, including how many birds are released, demographic composition and transfer processes; conducting post-release monitoring using discreet surveys and consistent sensible methodologies; individually marking birds; distinguishing immediate post-release effects from long-term site-related effects; and documenting the results in an accessible format such as a web-based database or published paper. We advocate a strategic approach whereby the intensity of post-release monitoring is directly related to the need and subsequent use of the data collected.
Ruru or moreporks (Ninox novaeseelandiae) are an iconic native species that are relatively widespread in New Zealand, yet little is known about populations that reside within urban areas. Here we present results from a ruru survey conducted by volunteers within the city of Hamilton, New Zealand to: 1) collect baseline data for future comparative ruru surveys, and 2) to introduce and promote ornithology to a wider audience. In addition, these data may be used to quantify the success of urban restoration projects and pest control operations, as many of the desired outcomes of those projects (e.g., increased native vegetation and reduced mammalian predators) would have a positive impact on ruru numbers. Twenty sites were surveyed in areas such as amenity parks and gullys with established vegetation. Teams of observers recorded the time and approximate bearing of all ruru vocalisations at sites for 1 h each night for 5 consecutive nights between 2000-2230 hours in late October 2011. Ruru were detected at 80% (16/20) of sites at least once over the survey period; at 13 of these sites ruru were detected on >2 nights, while birds were detected every night at 5 sites. Multiple birds were detected at 11 sites, which suggested that some may have been resident pairs and breeding. We recommend that including members of the public in similar surveys is highly desirable as it raises awareness around conservation issues and introduces ornithology to a wider audience.
We report on the discovery, care, release, and post-release monitoring of the 2nd vagrant emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) recorded from New Zealand. An immature male emperor penguin came ashore at Peka Peka Beach (40° 50’ S) 56 km north-east of Wellington on 20 Jun 2011. Its condition deteriorated over the following 4 days, and it was taken into care at Wellington Zoo on 24 Jun. Following 72 days of rehabilitation, the bird was released at sea at 51° 42’ S, 78 km north of subantarctic Campbell I, on 4 Sep 2011. He was tracked, via satellite transmitter, moving south-east for 113 km until 9 Sep, after which no further signals were received. The arrival, care and release of this penguin attracted unprecedented levels of public and media interest for a vagrant bird to New Zealand.