DOC principal scientist, Colin O’Donnell says the standout variety of kākā noticed within the most-recent survey was possible as a result of birds being attracted by an abundance of flowering mistletoe within the valley.
Photo: 123RF
Figures from the most-recent chicken depend in a South Westland valley present numbers of kākā have doubled within the final 12 months.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) has been finishing up an annual chicken depend within the Landsborough Valley for the final 25 years.
Data reveals eight native chicken species have steadily elevated in quantity over this time, whereas six different species stay steady. Overall, native birdlife has greater than doubled on this distant beech forest-clad valley.
DOC principal scientist, Colin O’Donnell mentioned the Landsborough was a showcase for a way forests and wildlife responded when rats, stoats and possums had been successfully managed long-term.
Predator management started within the Landsborough in 1994, and DOC additionally carries out aerial purposes of 1080 and in depth trapping within the space.
Colin O’Donnell mentioned the figures confirmed native birds had been persevering with to extend, together with species like pīpipi/brown creeper, tītitipounamu/ rifleman and kākāriki/yellow-crowned parakeet.
“Kākā had been the standout in probably the most recent outcomes with numbers doubling from the earlier 12 months – little question attracted by the mistletoe which was flowering in large splashes of purple throughout the valley.”
O’Donnell mentioned when the chicken depend began 25 years in the past solely 18 kākā had been noticed, and in probably the most recent 12 months 116 kākā had been noticed.
There had additionally been a powerful improve in mohua/yellowhead over the course of the examine, with solely 14 seen within the first depend, and 485 in probably the most recent, he mentioned.
Overall, native chicken numbers within the areas had doubled over the 25 years, he mentioned.
“The birds are so plentiful, the forest is alive with birdcall everywhere. The kākā numbers had been actually excessive which was gratifying however a number of the different birds which have elevated steadily over time are sustaining will increase which is actually thrilling to see.”
There had been, nonetheless, some declines. The variety of silvereye/tautou and long-tailed cuckoo/koekoeā numbers had each declined.
Greater competitors for nectar from tuī and bellbird might have suppressed silvereye numbers, and long-tailed cuckoo migrate to the Pacific islands every winter and could also be being affected by circumstances there, O’Donnell mentioned.
Introduced chicken numbers had additionally declined.
The DOC group spend a number of days in early summer season every year doing 5-minute chicken counts at 174 stations within the Landsborough. Since the monitoring started 25 years in the past the groups have counted round 106,000 birds.
