September 17th, 2024
In a joint effort by Ngāi Tahu and the Department of Conservation (DOC), 73 critically endangered kākāriki karaka parakeets have been released into New Zealand's Hawdon Valley, according to a media release by DOC on Wednesday.
This initiative, part of a broader recovery programme for the species, involved the release of 19 birds on April 1, with previous releases taking place in November, December, and January.
The kākāriki karaka were bred at The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust, Orana Wildlife Park, and Auckland Zoo. The Hawdon Valley is under the jurisdiction of Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga, who hold mana whenua (authority) over the area.
Kākāriki karaka return to Hawdon Valley
The population of kākāriki karaka in the Hawdon Valley had previously declined to the point where none could be detected in 2021 and 2022. Wayne Beggs, DOC Kākāriki Karaka Operations Manager, attributes the decline to predation. However, predator control efforts, including a Jobs for Nature-funded predator trapping programme and large-scale operations using aerially applied 1080, have successfully reduced predator numbers and allowed for the reintroduction of the parakeets.
Beggs reported that the released kākāriki karaka have already begun breeding in the valley, with chicks found in a nest in March—the first time since 2015.
Efforts to establish new wild populations
Due to their nesting and roosting habits in tree holes, kākāriki karaka are particularly vulnerable to predators like rats and stoats. With only a few existing populations, establishing new wild populations is crucial for the species' recovery. Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kākāriki Karaka Species Recovery Representative Yvette Couch-Lewis expressed optimism about the Hawdon Valley becoming a safe haven for the critically endangered birds.
Jobs for nature project aids kākāriki karaka conservation
A four-year Jobs for Nature project, launched in 2020 and operated in partnership by Ngāi Tahu and DOC, has increased predator control and monitoring for kākāriki karaka in an effort to prevent the species' extinction. The predator control work in Hawdon Valley has also benefited other threatened species such as whio and mohua, which have both been observed breeding in the area this summer.
Background on kākāriki karaka
The kākāriki karaka, or orange-fronted parakeet, is critically endangered, with fewer than 400 mature adults in the wild. Once commonplace throughout New Zealand, their distribution has decreased rapidly over the last century, having twice been declared extinct and then rediscovered.
The recovery programme works closely with partners such as The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust, Orana Wildlife Park, and Auckland Zoo. MainPower, Christchurch Helicopters, and Canterbury University also support the programme.
Kākāriki karaka are highly vulnerable to threats such as introduced predators and habitat destruction. Their population can naturally increase rapidly when environmental conditions are favourable but can also decline just as rapidly when conditions are poor.
The Government's Jobs for Nature programme is a $1.219 billion COVID-19 recovery investment aimed at benefiting New Zealand's environment, people, and regional communities, the DOC statement said.
Future conservation plans and continued collaboration
The success of the kākāriki karaka reintroduction in the Hawdon Valley highlights the importance of ongoing collaboration between DOC, Ngāi Tahu, and other partners. By working together, these organisations can continue to monitor and support the growth of the kākāriki karaka population, as well as implement strategies to protect and preserve their habitat.
Future conservation efforts for the kākāriki karaka will likely involve continued predator control measures, habitat restoration, and the establishment of additional wild populations in suitable areas. Monitoring the health and growth of existing populations, as well as identifying new release sites, will be crucial to ensuring the long-term survival of this critically endangered species.
Wider impact on New Zealand's biodiversity
The kākāriki karaka reintroduction in the Hawdon Valley not only benefits this particular species but also contributes to the overall health of New Zealand's ecosystem. The predator control measures implemented to protect the kākāriki karaka have had a positive impact on other threatened species in the area, such as the whio and mohua. These efforts demonstrate the interconnected nature of ecosystems and the importance of preserving and restoring habitats for multiple species.
The success of the kākāriki karaka reintroduction is a testament to the dedication and hard work of conservation organisations, government agencies, and local communities in New Zealand. By working together to protect and support endangered species, New Zealand is making significant strides towards conserving its unique biodiversity and creating a more sustainable future.