Executive summary
Key results
Possum control – vegetation response
Possum numbers were maintained at very low levels in the treatment area with no browse observed on the sensitive plant species monitored. RNRP kill trapping continued, and a continued presence of neighbouring Animal Health Board maintenance operations may have affected local possum activity. Wax chew stick monitoring indicates that possums continue to be maintained at low levels in the RNRP.
Rodent control
Rat tracking indices are indicating that the current trapping techniques are showing a significant difference between the treatment and non-treatment area. The trapping regime was adhered to for the first time, giving a true test of the method. The indices still fell short of the target index. This year saw a partial mast seedfall in autumn 2004, ranking third in volume and second in energy contribution through the history of the project.
Mustelid control
A moderate mustelid year was experienced based upon capture records. Tracking tunnel data this year demonstrated a significant difference in presence between the non-treatment site and the treated site. A similar but slightly higher result was recorded in the Wairau Valley indicating the Friends of Rotoiti mustelid control is effective at reducing mustelid activity.
Wasp control
The current control area of 1,100 hectares was again treated with a non-preferred toxin, Finitron as opposed to the toxin of choice which had been Fipronil. The 2004-05 season was a high wasp season. Poisoning achieved a reduction in wasp numbers but failed to reduce wasps below the Ecological Damage Threshold (EDT). No assessment of invertebrate response was undertaken.
Response of native fauna
A non-breeding year for kaka precluded the ability to correlate nesting outcome with mustelid tracking tunnel results. The number of robin territories held in the survey area has remained stable over the past two years. However, there seems to have been a total lack of recruitment between the two seasons, with no new birds taking up territories in areas of historical robin breeding activity. Robin monitoring indicates that the previous seasons rat control is of insufficient quality to benefit robins. Five-minute bird counts were characterised by high counts for several species in May. Five minute bird counts were continued but were not subjected to any substantial analysis.
Reintroductions
The reintroduction of nine great spotted kiwi/roa to RNRP has been considered a partial success by meeting most of the operational performance measures. This suggests wild to wild transfers of adult roa may be an effective means of establishing new populations. All birds released remain in the recovery area and appear to have settled. All birds have been recaptured and are in good health with the majority gaining weight. One successful breeding attempt was observed. A further translocation is recommended.
Advocacy and education
The presence of kiwi has maintained high public interest and support for the wider project. Local media has been active in pursuing the bird’s progress with particular focus on the likely chick hatch, the one year health checks and to a lesser degree the recuperation and attempted introduction of the injured kiwi, Mohua. Evening talks at the Rotoiti Lodge and walks on the Honeydew Walk, predominantly for school groups, have largely maintained their popularity. Revive Rotoiti, due to staff changes, was only published once during the year.
Volunteers and Friends of Rotoiti
Casual volunteers, predominantly from oversees, continue to be an important resource to support the mainland island effort with 141 days of effort. The Friends of Rotoiti attracted new members and continued a solid effort in both rat and stoat trapping. Their efforts were recognised by the Tasman District Council awarding them the first place Environmental Award.
Research
Five reports were received for completed research undertaken in previous years at this site: four MSc theses, and one collaborative journal article between Landcare Research and project staff. Three projects continue or were initiated.
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