DOC's work with Chatham petrel/ranguru
Dan Palmer fitting a flap to a Chatham
petrel burrow entrance
A key part of DOC's work on Rangatira island is to ensure that no unwanted pests, like rats or mice, arrive on the island where they might have a serious impact on Chatham petrel and other vulnerable birds.
DOC staff make several trips to Rangatira Island every year to manage Chatham petrel burrows to maximise chick productivity. Artificial burrows are installed for known breeding pairs and these are blocked off over winter when the petrels are away to ensure that broad-billed prions do not take over the burrow in their absence.
Neoprene flaps, designed by Lincoln University, are fitted over the burrow entrances and these allow the petrels through but deter most prions from entering. Staff also make regular inspections of the nests during periods of peak prion activity.
Chicks, collected late in the breeding season, have been translocated to predator-fenced sites on Pitt and Chatham Islands where they have been fed until their departure to sea. This, along with a sound system playing petrel calls has has been successful in establishing a small breeding colony on Pitt Island. It is hoped that transfers currently underway to Chatham Island will be similarly successful.
Contacts
Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) 24 hour emergency number to report:
Sick or injured wildlife
Whale or dolphin strandings