Summary
This annual report has been written in a new format using the objectives outlined in the Draft Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project Strategic Plan 2008-13. The main body of the report discusses work done and results obtained but does not attempt to analyse what the current years findings mean in relation to all work achieved before. Project outcomes will be presented separately as science reports or occasional publications.
Biodiversity restoration objectives
Restore and maintain populations of kaka, mistletoe, Pittosporum patulum and Powelliphanta sp.
Mustelid control was sustained in the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project (RNRP) during 2007-08, and tracking tunnel monitoring showed that the <5% target was achieved in the treatment area, while mustelid numbers during November were high (73%) at the Rotoroa non-treatment site.
A staged upgrade of predator traps - from Fenn™ traps to alternating Fenn™ and Department of Conservation (DOC) series predator traps - was partly completed as planned. The Friends of Rotoiti (FOR) predator control lines were similarly upgraded.
Possum control was sustained but no targeted cat control was undertaken. A kaka encounter rate monitoring project was established to replace intensive monitoring, as intensive monitoring over previous seasons has shown that the current mustelid control regime will protect kaka. Results of this monitoring will be published in a forthcoming DOC Research and Development (R&D) paper. No monitoring of mistletoes or Pittosporum patulum was undertaken during 2007-08. There is an apparent increase in the deer population (potential browsers of Pittosporum patulum), and a small number of deer were removed. Powelliphanta "Nelson Lakes" snail monitoring was largely completed. Preliminary results suggest a decline within the snail monitoring plots. The cause of the apparent decline is unknown.
Establish and maintain populations of great spotted kiwi and other native species.
Survival of radio-tagged great spotted kiwi was 100%. Fourteen adults (translocated to the RNRP in 2004 and 2006) were monitored. Three locally-hatched kiwi (various ages from 0.5 years to 3.5 years) were monitored at the beginning of the year, but transmitter failure meant that one (hatched in 2005-06) was "missing in action" at the end of the year. Only one nesting attempt was detected during 2007-08, resulting in a fourth locally-hatched chick that was located and radio-tagged in June 2008. Great spotted kiwi chicks appear to live in close association with their parents for 1-2 years following hatching.
Learning objectives
Test the effectiveness of rodent control tools in a beech forest system
There was no significant beech seedfall during autumn 2007 or autumn 2008, and tracking tunnel monitoring showed that the rat population remained low throughout 2007-08. Because of the low rat numbers a proposed field trial of RatAbate™ paste (active ingredient diphacinone) did not commence during 2007-08. South Island robin territory occupancy continues to be used as an outcome measure for rat control. The robin monitoring area was expanded during 2007-08 and, despite the lack of rodent control, there was no observed decline of robins within the standard survey area.
Test the effectiveness of wasp control tools
The toxin Fipronil 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, and this facilitated a PhD research project investigating interactions between introduced wasps and native ants.
Test the effectiveness of different translocation methods
Planning commenced for a pilot study to compare the fate of Operation Nest Egg (ONE) reared great spotted kiwi chicks against the fate of in situ reared chicks. Funding for this project was secured from the Bank of New Zealand Save the Kiwi Trust for the 2008-09 year.
Determine long-term trends in bird abundance and forest health in response to ongoing management
Five-minute bird counts were undertaken at Rotoiti Lakehead, on the St Arnaud Range track; and to a lesser extent at the Rotoroa non-treatment site. Work was undertaken to analyse previous years' results. Work in this area is ongoing.
Nine vegetation plots were re-measured, but analysis will not occur until all plots have been re-measured in 2008-09. Direct observation suggests that the plots have been affected by browse. This corresponds with an increase in the number of deer sightings reported.
There was very little beech seedfall detected in 2007-08, despite some flowering of beech trees noted in October 2007.
Systematically record observations of previously unreported native and non-native organisms in RNRP
There was no system in place for recording new species. This system will be set up in 2008-09.
Facilitate research to improve our understanding of the ecology and management of beech forest and alpine systems
Two student thesis projects (introduced wasp and native ant interactions, and foraging behaviour and habitat use of ship rats under stoat predation) were current during 2007-08. Work towards a thesis on factors influencing recruitment and establishment of native fuchsia in Nelson Lakes National Park was completed. A thesis on the role of introduced birds as possible competitors with native species in Nelson Lakes National Park was received.
Analyse and report on the effectiveness of management techniques and ensure that knowledge gained is transferred to the appropriate audiences to maximise conservation gain
Annual reports are ongoing, and work was undertaken to develop a new reporting template, to reflect the objectives in the new Draft Strategic Plan 2008-13. One scientific paper on kaka management in the RNRP was prepared for publication, and an article about great spotted kiwi translocations was submitted for inclusion in a book soon to be published by the IUCN/SSC Reintroduction Specialist Group. Staff also attended a Sanctuaries of New Zealand workshop and delivered a presentation at 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 322 work days. 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. FOR members also participated in lizard monitoring within the rat control area. Non-FOR volunteers also contributed 40 days during the year and participated in a variety of activities including trapping, tracking tunnel monitoring and kiwi transmitter changes.
Advocacy and education work continued with two editions of the Revive Rotoiti newsletter published during the year. There were two media releases providing updates on the kiwi project. The Nelson Lakes National Park Visitor Centre continues to promote the RNRP through displays and the distribution of information. The RNRP PowerPoint show was updated and presented to a total of 873 students staying at Rotoiti Lodge. 190 students benefited from guided walks. A highlight for the year was hosting a LEARNZ "virtual field trip" with live audio-conferencing, web board, diaries, images and video uploading. Over 100 New Zealand schools registered for the programme, and more than 3000 students followed the virtual field trip over a three day period.