Progress reports

2009-2010 Annual Report

Biodiversity restoration objectives

Restore and maintain populations of kaka, mistletoe, Pittosporum patulum and Powelliphanta sp.

Mustelid control continued in the Mainland Island during 2009-10, and tracking tunnel monitoring showed that the <5% target was achieved in the treatment area, while mustelid abundance remained high at the Rotoroa non-treatment site.

The upgrade of predator traps, from Fenn Mk VI traps to DOC200s and DOC250s, was completed. The Friends of Rotoiti (FOR) predator control lines were similarly upgraded.

Possum control was increased and improved and cat control became more focussed this season. The recently developed kaka encounter rate appears to be providing comparable abundance data between years, although we now do not measure breeding success or recruitment. Extra mustelid traplines were established in Big Bush and the Core Area of the Mainland Island, which should provide more protection for nesting female kaka and chicks.

Monitoring of beech mistletoes and Pittosporum patulum was undertaken during 2009-10. Mistletoe species are healthy with only little browse noted. There was an apparent increase in the deer population (potential browsers of Pittosporum patulum), and a few deer were removed. Powelliphanta "Nelson Lakes" snail monitoring was not undertaken this season.

Establish and maintain populations of great spotted kiwi and other native species

Great spotted kiwi

Survival of radio-tagged great spotted kiwi was 100%. Fourteen adults were monitored. Four wild-raised chicks were monitored. Two possible nesting attempts occurred this reporting period but no chicks were subsequently located (Note: one chick found in July 2010). The Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project (RNRP) kiwi dog, 'Fen' proved to be very useful in finding several missing kiwi.

Learning objectives

Test the effectiveness of rodent control tools in a beech forest system

There was no beech mast in autumn 2010. Tracking tunnel monitoring indicated an increase in rat abundance through 2009-10, probably in response to the small beech seedfall in mid-2009. Mice abundance remained high throughout the reporting period. A proposed rat control operation using RatAbate™ paste (diphacinone) was postponed again after concern was raised by an NGO about effects on any possible population of short-tailed bats that may exist in the Core Area of the Mainland Island. South Island robin territory occupancy continues to be used as an outcome measure for rat control. The robin monitoring indicated a decline of robins within the standard survey area in 2009.

Test the effectiveness of wasp control tools

The toxin X-stingish™ was available for off-label experimental use through Landcare Research. The wasp population in the core area and St Arnaud township was successfully controlled to low levels, although wasp density was initially quite low. Experimental control from three poison nodes outside the control area indicated that wasp control could be effective up to 200m from poison bait stations.

Test the effectiveness of different translocation methods

Funding for an Operation Nest Egg (ONE) project was secured from the Bank of New Zealand Save the Kiwi Trust for the 2009-10 year. Three chicks, sourced from eggs removed from the Gouland Downs in November 2009, were released directly into the Mainland Island in March 2010. Two survived and now exceed the 'predator proof' 1kg weight threshold.

Determine long-term trends in bird abundance and forest health in response to ongoing management

Five-minute bird counts were undertaken at Lakehead, on the St Arnaud Range track; and at the Rotoroa non-treatment site. A scientific paper analysing trends in native bird abundance at Rotoroa using the five-minute bird count data for the past 35 years is now in press (Elliott et al. in press).

An alpine tussock seed fall transect was established at Mt Misery in early 2010. No seed was noted.

Systematically record observations of previously unreported native and non-native organisms in RNRP

A system for recording new species was established in 2010.

Facilitate research to improve our understanding of the ecology and management of beech forest and alpine systems

Two peer-reviewed scientific papers with a large component of RNRP data included were published this year (see below) and a survey for bats was also conducted within the Mainland Island.

Analyse and report on the effectiveness of management techniques and ensure that knowledge gained is transferred to the appropriate audiences to maximise conservation gain

The 2007-08 and 2008-09 annual reports were published in August 2009 and February 2010 respectively. The report on the effectiveness of the Fenn Mk VI vs DOC 200s was completed in late 2009, which showed no difference in the effectiveness of the two trap types. DOC200s are more humane and catch a wider weight range of pest species however. Two scientific papers, on native birds at Rotoroa, and effects of honeydew and introduced species on decomposer systems in beech forest were published in 2010. A MSc thesis on ship foraging under differing predation risk is close to completion. Staff also participated in the South Island Kiwi Hui.

Community objectives

Increase public knowledge, understanding and support for mainland islands and ecological restoration nationally through education, experience and participation

Participation remained high with Friends of Rotoiti (FOR) members contributing 323 workday equivalents. This involved trapping mustelids over more than 5000ha of land adjacent to the RNRP; and trapping rats over 250ha in St Arnaud township, Black Hill and the Brunner Peninsula. Another 31 volunteers (13 internationals and 18 New Zealanders) also contributed 120 workday equivalents, assisting with various projects, such as mustelid trapping and kiwi research, within the RNRP.

Advocacy and education work continued with two editions of the Revive Rotoiti newsletter published during the year. The Nelson Lakes National Park Visitor Centre continued to promote the RNRP through displays and the distribution of information.

This past year has seen a shift from general membership (with about half of the members actively volunteering) to the launch of a Supporters Group, which supports the FOR and RNRP with donations and sponsorship.

The RNRP PowerPoint show was updated and presented 24 times to a total of 760 students staying at Rotoiti Lodge. This PowerPoint show was also presented eight times to 240 others visitors to Nelson Lakes. Reflecting a new emphasis this year of telling the RNRP story by taking more groups on active walks, 814 students and visitors participated in 46 guided Honeydew Walks. Overall, this past year provided eight more opportunities for RNRP advocacy, with 200 less participants.

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