Threats to NZ dotterel
NZ dotterel nest in open sites, typically low-lying sand or gravel banks and sandbars close to beaches and lagoons. They face competition and threats from predation and disturbance.
On the beach, their nests are easily destroyed by storms, careless feet and off-road vehicles. They often nest close to residential or developed areas and so are at risk from development.
People are also a threat to the NZ dotterel through direct disturbance, introduction of pests (weed and animal) and habitat modification
When adults are disturbed off the nest while incubating, the eggs are at risk of overheating. Young chicks, when disturbed, can die from exhaustion as they cannot eat in time, or get to their feeding grounds at the water's edge.
Hedgehog
Predators
Cats, stoats and hedgehogs and rats are the most common predators of eggs and chicks. Hedgehogs are a major predator as they can move up to 2 kilometres in one night, eating eggs from each nest along the way.
Cats and stoats also kill some adult birds, especially during the breeding season. Cats hunt at night, preying on dotterels that are incubating nests. Unfledged chicks are easy prey - one cat can wipe out all the nests in their home range in a single night.
Dogs are known to kill chicks. Uncontrolled dogs running through nesting areas can crush eggs and disturb adults as they are incubating eggs.
In some areas other birds are threats - black-backed gulls and harrier hawks are two common predators.
NZ dotterel nest with unfledged chick
How are they controlled?
Hedgehogs and stoats are controlled by trapping. Traps are baited alternatively with eggs and dried rabbit meat. During the nesting season, these are checked regularly by rangers and volunteer dotterel minders.
In some areas, live cat traps are used in the area surrounding prime breeding sites. These traps are baited with dried rabbit meat and are checked regularly.
For birds of prey, an effective form of protection is plastic buckets laid on their side and dug into the sand to form small caves that several chicks can hide in.
Dogs should always be controlled when near nesting sites. Many beaches have dog restrictions and owners should be aware of these - respect and obey them.
back to top