News • Southland Ecological Restoration Network

Successful Kakapo AI a World First.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) kakapo recovery team has carried out a world first – the successful artificial insemination (AI) of a wild bird population. Paternity tests confirmed artificial insemination, assisted by international bird reproduction expert Dr Juan Blanco, produced two chicks from two different females this breeding season. “This is a major break through for the recovery programme,” said kakapo recovery manager Deidre Vercoe. Go to www.kakaporecovery.org.nz for more information about this exciting development in the kakapo recovery programme.

Posted on: Wednesday, 20 January 2010

Exciting Projects for Fiordland Conservation Trust

The first Fiordland Conservation Trust annual report shows how community conservation involvement in Fiordland National Park is booming. Rachel Cockburn, FCT’s Manager writes, “The 2009/10 year looks set to be incredibly busy.” Projects include the Sinbad Sanctuary, supported by Southern Discoveries through a $35,000 p/a donation and Indian Island pest eradication, to name a few. She reports, “A key focus for the coming year is the Kepler Peninsular “Backyard Birdsong” project which is still in its planning stages. The project will be run in conjunction with the long term and very effective trapping project currently carried out by the Kepler Challenge Committee.” For more information on the Trusts activities visit www.fiordlandconservationtrust.org.nz

Posted on: Friday, 13 November 2009

Pomona Island Stoat and Rat Free for over 2 Years.

No stoats or rats have been caught on Pomona or Rona Islands now for over two years. This is largely thanks to the extensive trap network which is now set up on the mainland opposite both islands. Thanks to generous donations from the Gary Chisholm Family Trust of Christchurch the Trust now has 72 stoat/rat traps opposite Pomona and 44 opposite Rona. Viv Shaw, Pomona Island Trust member, reports “These are checked monthly and with the predicted beech mast a reality we are catching a fair few rats and mice each month”. Earlier this year 51 South Island robins were released on Pomona and 20 on Rona. The birds have been pairing up and Trust members are hopeful that they will start to see juvenile robins on the islands before Christmas.

Posted on: Friday, 23 October 2009

Wairaurahiri Jet Extend Predator Control Work

With assistance from Biodiversity Southland Co-ordinator, Janet Gregory of Landcare Trust, Joyce Kolk and Johan Groters of Wairaurahiri Jet have been able to extend their pest control work along the South Coast Track from the river to the Percy Burn Viaduct. An application put together by Janet to the Biodiversity Condition Fund round announced in May 2009 was successful and with the grant and other sponsorship they purchased 50 more traps. In the three months (June to August) these traps have been in place they have caught 15 stoats and 15 rats. With the original trap line down the Wairaurahiri River, in the past 6 months they have caught 13 stoats and 42 rats. Joyce comments that it is interesting to note that when they first started trapping down the river the stoats outnumbered the rats.

Posted on: Thursday, 24 September 2009

High Value Area (HVA) Surveys – A Work in Progress

In May and June this year, thirteen rapid ecological assessments of HVAs were conducted on nine private properties in the Waituna, Mataura and Longwoods districts. This assessment system has been developed by Environment Southland staff based on current best-practise ecological survey methods. The survey is undertaken by an independent contractor, who then compiles a report for each site, which provides factual and reliable information about the natural and ecological values present. They also present a range of management options for the natural areas to ensure they are there for future generations to enjoy. These reports are given to the landowner and have been very well received for those done to date. Funding to continue and expand the HVA programme for the next three years has been granted by the Biodiversity Advice Fund.

Posted on: Thursday, 24 September 2009

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