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Monitoring grey-faced petrels (Pterodroma macroptera gouldi) in a restoration project on Motuora Island, Hauraki Gulf

Notornis, 55 (4), 184-190

R. Gardner-Gee; M. Rayner; J.R. Beggs (2008)

Article Type: Paper

Motuora is a highly modified island in the Hauraki Gulf that is currently being re-vegetated. It is envisaged that the island will eventually be restored to a native forest system with strong seabird influences. The island retains a small breeding population of grey-faced petrels (Pterodroma macroptera gouldi). In 2005 a survey of the accessible areas of the coastal margin was carried out to estimate the current size of the population. The survey located 406 active burrows and it was estimated that approximately 260-280 burrows contained incubating pairs. There was some evidence that active burrow numbers had increased at established breeding areas since the last survey in 1995, but differences between survey methods made comparisons difficult. Fixed monitoring plots were put in place in 2005 to provide a standardized measure of changes in burrow activity. Between 2005 and 2007 no change in the number of active burrows was discernible in the fixed plots. Longer term monitoring will be required to determine the population dynamics of the Motuora grey-faced petrels as evidence from other locations indicates that growth (if it occurs) will be slow. Consequently, seabird numbers (and associated nutrient inputs) on Motuora are likely to be below pre-disturbance levels for many decades. These results highlight the challenges of ecosystem restoration in highly modified habitats.

Diet of kereru (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) in a rural-urban landscape, Banks Peninsula, New Zealand

Notornis, 55 (4), 173-183

K.L. Campbell; M.H. Schotborgh; K.J. Wilson; S.C. Ogilvie (2008)

Article Type: Paper

The diet of 30 radio-tagged kereru (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) was studied at 4 sites on Banks Peninsula, New Zealand, from Feb 2004 to Feb 2006, in 2 main habitat types: 1) highly modified rural-urban habitats where introduced plant species were common and remnants of native forest small, and 2) a habitat containing relatively few introduced species with a large area of regenerating native forest (Hinewai Reserve). Kereru at Hinewai had the most varied diet and ate a higher proportion of native plant species (82%) than those at rural-urban sites where only half the diet comprised native species. At all sites, native fruits were the most frequently eaten foods during mid-summer and autumn. Foliage and flowers of introduced plants – tree lucerne (Chamaecytisus palmensis) and fruit trees (Prunus and Malus spp.) at rural-urban sites, and broom (Cytisus scoparius) at Hinewai – were most frequently eaten prior to the breeding season. Kereru at all sites made multiple breeding attempts. This suggested that food was not limiting and foliage of introduced species can allow kereru to breed successfully. Food sources for kereru on Banks Peninsula, and potentially in similar habitats throughout New Zealand, could be improved based on the list of food species compiled during this study. Advantages and disadvantages of using introduced plant species for enhancement of food sources are discussed.

The recovering population of the Chatham Island oystercatcher (Haematopus chathamensis)

Notornis, 55 (1), 20-31

P.J. Moore (2008)

Article Type: Paper

Historical records of the Chatham Island oystercatcher (Haematopus chathamensis) suggested a sparse and small population. In 1970, there may have been as few as 52 birds, but this apparently increased to 112 in 1987 and 144 in 1998. Intensive predator control and nest and habitat management has since boosted productivity and recruitment of oystercatchers along the northern Chatham Island (Rekohu) coastline and resulted in a rapid increase in total numbers; by 2004 there were 316
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