Attachment

Download

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 316–340 birds, including 89 pairs. In 2005–2006 management effort was shifted to Pitt Island (Rangiauria) in the southern range of the species. Although low productivity contributed to the total population levelling off at about 313–351 birds in 2006, ongoing recruitment of young birds resulted in an increase to 109 pairs. Currently, there are fewer than 250 mature individuals and therefore the species remains a high priority for conservation management.