DOC's work with the orange-fronted parakeet
The Department of Conservation aims to ensure the survival of orange-fronted parakeets. All known populations are closely monitored. Research focuses on their breeding by doing nest searches and inspecting the nest holes. We carry out surveys in other areas in the hope that new populations will be found.
DOC rangers Delia and Jack band a
captive-raised chick, ready for release
onto a predator-free island
In two of the three areas where orange-fronts are found, intensive stoat and possum control work is done, as well as rat monitoring. We hope to extend this work to the third known area, discovered in May 2003.
Captive breeding programme
In 2006, a new population was established on the predator-free Chalky Island, offshore from Fiordland. Eggs were removed from nests in the wild and transferred to be raised in captivity. Foster parakeet parents incubated the eggs then fed the chicks until they fledged.
Checks on this new population in late summer revealed the birds had nested and raised chicks so the transfer has been a success. More birds will be added to the population to increase genetic diversity.
Operation Ark
Operation Ark is an initiative to respond to predator plagues in South Island beech forests to prevent the extinction of certain species, including orange-fronted parakeets. At Operation Ark sites rats, stoats and possums are intensively controlled with traps, toxins in bait stations, bait bags and, where necessary, aerial 1080.