Despite a setback caused by avian malaria, rangers and community volunteers at Shakespear Regional Park are confident that the burgeoning kiwi population can thrive at the pest-free open sanctuary.
Tāwharanui and Shakespear open sanctuaries provide unique opportunities to experience our threatened wildlife, but come with their challenges, Senior Ranger Matt Maitland says.
Not only does maintaining the pest free status of the two sites require constant vigilance, the rangers also have to contend with natural challenges outside of their control.
Earlier this year 20 little spotted kiwi were brought to Shakespear from Kapiti Island, complementing an original population of 20 birds introduced from Tiritiri Matangi and Kapiti islands in April 2017.
Unfortunately, five of the birds have since succumbed to avian malaria, Mr Maitland says.
“The naturally occurring disease is carried by small birds and is transmitted by mosquitos,” he says.
“Unfortunately, there is no vaccine, nor are there viable treatment options for a wild population.”
Avian malaria is not always fatal, and there is evidence of other native bird and kiwi populations that have been infected and then survived and gone on to breed well.
“On a positive note, all the malaria-affected birds were otherwise in good health with solid weights which shows that they have been settling in well to their new homes,” Mr Maitland says.
Translocating wildlife is a high-risk, high-return intervention for conservation.
“Translocation involves social and geographic upheaval for the birds which can take some time for them to get used to their new home, settle in, pair up and start breeding.”
Before any kiwi are caught and transferred there is significant preparatory work assessing the suitability of the site and species, consulting with affected parties including mana whenua, landowners, and community partner groups before permits are issued by the Department of Conservation.
The health of birds is also assessed prior to release but from time to time some are lost as a result of illness or disease and on the rare occasion as a result of a fall or incident in the natural environment.
While it can be upsetting to lose individual animals, the focus must always be on population health. It is also reassuring that none of kiwi population have been affected by any predators which is by far the greatest risk to kiwi in the wild, Mr Maitland says.
“This is why it’s so important to maintain the pest free status of the two sites.
“We thank those who help by checking their belongings for stowaway pests before visiting and observing the dog restrictions inside the sanctuaries.
Shakespear remains a sanctuary for not only the little spotted kiwi population, but also a burgeoning population of kakariki, pōpokotea (whitehead), robin and native lizards.
“We’re also excited about the upcoming tieke (saddleback) release scheduled for later this month,” Mr Maitland says.
The reintroduction of little spotted kiwi to Shakespear Open Sanctuary is the 17th translocation into the open sanctuaries at Tāwharanui and Shakespear. Translocations to-date have included 13 species of mostly birds and also lizards, plants and freshwater fish.
Wildlife has also been exported form the sanctuaries with six translocations of four species.
