The dedicated work of Aspiring Biodiversity Trust (Est: 2017) has enabled a better understanding of the current population status of Whio (Blue duck, Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos) within the Makarora/Makarore and Wilkin/Ōtānenui catchment, South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. Furthermore, this work has highlighted the importance of the Makarora population in terms of maintaining the genetic diversity of this ancient waterfowl species (the sole member of its genus). This is “no ordinary duck!”
Makarora Whio (Blue duck) South Island
New Zealand Endemic with strong spiritual, cultural, historic Māori value. Freshwater environmental indicator species.
It is well known from previous studies that the North and South Island whio represent two genetically distinct lineages (managed as separate units). In the South Island there are known differences in the North and the South with central mixed assemblages. However, it is not known where the Makarora Whio fits in terms of its genetic origin in relation with other South Island populations. This work unravels the mystery of the Makarora Whio. Furthermore, it provides important insight into whio dispersal and finally puts the Makarora Whio on the map. Details found here in the latest published edition of the Notornis Journal.
Whio Recovery Site Locations (2009-2019) with Makarora added.
Since this work, further whio genetic samples have been analysed and the Aspiring Biodiversity Trust are starting to see positive results for whio from their dedicated invasive predator control programme – from ridge to river. Positive evidence includes up to x 5 ducklings and sightings of x 8 birds at a single breeding location. Cumulatively ABT’s work is having additional biodiversity gains by protecting other indigenous species such as the alpine Pīwauwau/ Rock wren and Kea (IUCN endangered) within Mt Aspiring National Park. With the likely impacts of climate change, it is essential that we know about current endemic remnant species populations to prevent local extinction where possible whilst optimising resources.
Reference
Glaser et al (2019). Whio/ Blue duck Recovery Plan 2009 – 2019. Threatened Species Recovery Plan 62. Wellington, NZ, Department of Conservation.
Grosser et al (2017). Strong isolation by distance argues for separate population management of endangered blue duck (Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos). Conservation Genetics 18: 327–341.
Hufton & Robertson (2023). A significant remnant population of whio (blue duck, Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos) bridging the gap between Fiordland and West Coast Recovery Sites, South Island, New Zealand. Notornis, 2023, Vol. 70: 190-195.
Makarora whio pair with 5 ducklings (Oct 2023), observed during ABT’s routine riparian invasive predator control maintenance by S Gillam, ABT Field Team.
ABT continues with developing its Encounter Solutions “Celium” based system of remote alpine climate/weather recording/data acquisition.
Added to existing real time temperature obtained from a network of Upper Wilkin, Crucible and Nth Siberia HUBs/Repeater HUBs and Nodes, are real time ES Celium based snow depth and rainfall recording platforms.
Ultrasonic snow depth measuring instrumentation has been deployed in the Castalia Cirque (1200 metres) and rain gauge instrumentation at Crucible Basin (1200 metres). Further similar instrumentation is to be deployed in the Nth Siberia Cirque.
Ultrasonic snow depth kit installation, in action with Anthony, Bill and Scott. Upper Wilkin instrumentation installation with Pilot Bill Day and ABT’s Scott Gillam.
Expansion of ABT’s ES Celium based remote alpine climate/weather data recording to include snow depth and rainfall, has been made possible with funding from the Tupiki Trust, the helicopter services of Bill Day (Seawork’s) and a materials donation from Templeton Engineering.
ABT’s expanding remote weather/climate monitoring system will provide a database projected forward in determining the impacts of changing weather patterns/climate (rainfall, snowfall and temperature) locally, on the threatened species habitat and influence on the changing dynamics of protected species and invasive predators within the alpine environment. This may include food source, winter snow cover protection, extended temporal and spatial activity of predators (i.e. rat moving to higher levels in the alpine, stoat extended time active, and more mice).
Alpine stoat (Mustela erminea) activity within the Castalia/Upper Lucidus Basin (Red – Trap triggered by stoat capture) rock wren habitat (end June 2023). Image Aspiring Biodiversity Trust.
ABT’s expanding remote weather/climate monitoring system no less importantly contributes to the safety of ABT field programme workers, and the public engaging in alpine activities of the north Mt Aspiring National Park: trekking, ski touring, pack rafting, climbing etc.
Data of ABT’s current and expanding remote weather/climate monitoring system is available to the public via ABT’s Real-Time weather/climate page.
The Mountain Safety Council’s Plan-My-Walk has a link to the ABT RealTime page, and the expanding data is also available to the Aspiring Avalanche Advisory.
Acknowledgements
With Thanks to:Tupiki Trust, Bill Day of Seaworks and Templeton Engineering.
ABT Rain gauge with Celium Hub (behind), Siberia Valley
Fig 1. Example rainfall output data since initial installation
This innovation in partnership with Aspiring Biodiversity Trust and Encounter Solutions is contributing greater knowledge and understanding (over time), to better inform adaptive conservation management going forward for endangered species protection and restoration within the Makarora and Wilkin catchments – from ridge to river. In particular, for significant remnant populations of endangered Pīwauwau/ Rock wren and South Island Whio/ Blue duck.
ABT Trail camera image: Alpine stoat active within Upper Lucidus/Castalia basin rock wren and whio habitat with ZIP Autolure and trap entrance to the right.
The Kea, Aotearoa’s endangered alpine parrot Nestor notabilis is partial to the roots of Aciphylla (speargrass) such as Aciphylla kirkiandAciphylla hectori(endemic to New Zealand). Aciphylla plants are a unique feature of the alpine flora of New Zealand.
It was a pleasure to observe this natural kea behaviour in the Wilkin Ōtānenui Valley. The combined use of their feet and bill for trimming and preparing this snack was quite outstanding to observe. Not surprising as the kea is known to be the world’s smartest bird (its intelligence rivals that of a monkey) according to the Institute of Cognitive Biology in Vienna.
Immature kea (female) feeding on speargrass (March 2022)Kea pair feeding on speargrass root on the Ōtānenui Range
*Turns out that this species of Aciphylla kirkii/hectorii (not easy to distinguish between the two) hasn’t yet been recorded this far north and is therefore a possible expansion to it’s existing known range. Botanist’s from Te Papa are interested to find out more about this species group as part of a national study, re-examining the number of Aciphylla species and this initial observation by ABT’s Rachel Hufton has led to their upcomming visit.
Kea (male)with Aciphylla in the backgroundAciphylla species (female)
ABT’s Kea observations to date within the Makarora and Wilkin catchment (since 2017) estimate the current local population to be between 39-41 birds. During late autumn and winter the occassional kea can be noted visiting residental areas of the Makarora Valley.
Certain species of endemic Aciphylla are know as important taonga to Māori with significant cultural and historic value. Taramea, a treasured Māori perfume of Ngāi Tahu is obtained from the resin of a Aciphylla (speargrass) species of Aotearoa. The taproot of a smaller type, called papaī was a food source but not used as fragrance. Speargrass are dioecious, meaning that there are separate female and male plants with visually different structure. The above image shows a female plant fruiting in the Wilkin Valley. Research on taramea, both Mātauranga Māori and Western science, further defining its biological and chemical properties, is on-going.
Reference
Aaria Dobson-Waitere, Robin MacIntosh, Matapura F. Ellison, Bruce M. Smallfield & John W. van Klink (2022). Taramea, a treasured Māori perfume of Ngāi Tahu from Aciphylla species of Aotearora New Zealand: a review of Mātauranga Māori and scientific research. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand. Vol: 52. 2022 Issue 1.
Huber, L., Gajdon, G. Technical intelligence in animals: the kea model. Anim Cogn9, 295–305 (2006).
I-Naturalist
Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand (2023). An introduction to speargrasses – plants with a prickly reputation. https://blog.tepapa.govt.nz/2023/01/20/an-introduction-to-speargrasses-plants-with-a-prickly-reputation/
A rewarding and enlightening joint Aspiring Biodiversity Trust and Kāi TahuEvent was held at Makarore during December 2021, sponsored by Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand. The wonderful Kāi Tahu students and professionals joined Aspiring Biodiversity Trust at Makarora Wonderland Lodge for an exciting 3-day residential field course, aligned with Māori heritage world view, te reo Māori, endemic biodiversity and habitat restoration.
The event kicked off with an overview of ABT’s Ridge to River threatened species programmes with an introduction to forest bird calls, geophysiography and retracing the historic wetland vegetation of the locality. Out in the forest the amazing Puke Timoti talked of how his ancestors traditionally read the forest in terms of mahinga kai resources with particular reference to the kererū, forest regeneration, medicinal plants and bush skills.
Puke Timote, Rangi Mātāmua, Komene Cassidy and Kāi Tahu students (left to right)
An example of the Ngāi Tahu cultural mapping GIS database.
Paulette Tamati-Elliffe and Tumai Cassidy shared aspects of the important Ngāi Tahu Cultural Mapping Project with specific reference to the Makarore and Otanenui Rivers and their historical place names where former ancestors once settled.
Rangi Mātāmua the legendary Māori astronomer, talked about Matariki (the Māori New Year) and his aspiration for the national holiday going forward, encouraging everyone to contribute to conservation activities rather than material gifts at this special time.
Everyone was looking forward to seeing more of Makarore’s true splender and the weather didn’t disapoint.
Jet boat tour on the Makarore and up the Otanenui (Wilkin) River – retracing ancestral footsteps with Tumai Cassidy narrating.
A jet boat field trip with Wilkin River Jets along the Otanenui (Wikin) to Kerin Forks helped facilitate a reconnection to lost ancestral roots for many of the participants. This is one location of former Māori settlement’s along with the head of the Makarore delta and the head of Lake Hawea where mahinga kai (natural resource) was plentiful. Harvested species that are now no longer present included kiwi, weka and kakapo with plentiful tuna (eel). This was back (pre-fire) when the Makarore valley (1860) had been described as: an entangled, impenetrable mess of cabbage trees, flax and fern, growing to a height of 8 feet to 10 feet and the ground a jungle of dried and decayed vegetation.
Tarapiroe (black-fronted tern) adult with fledgling at Wilkin Road, Makarore
Good viewing of breeding endemic braided river birds followed with adult tarapirohe (black-fronted tern’s) busy feeding their chicks (above image) along with dispersing tarāpuka (black-billed gull) and tūturiwhatu (banded dotterel) fledglings.
Setting the net for tuna at Makarore
A sample of tuna taken for traditional preparation during the event
To everyone’s delight we found that longfin tuna are still, definitely present in Makarore following the setting of an eel net at dusk, left out overnight. The following morning found over 60 good sized, healthy tuna! In fact, it’s possible that anymore would not have fitted into the net! What a delight! Most were released back where they were found, with a sample taken for traditional preparation which was later sampled from the BBQ on the last evening. What a treat!
Discussion on the sad reality of constraints to the breeding ecology of tuna (not being able to naturally reach the sea) within the Southern Lakes region was had and how – one day this will hopefully change for this important and iconic taonga. Rangi Mātāmua is keen to return to Makarore to monitor the eel population more closely and look at the current population age structure.
A final site visit towards the source of the Makarore River (which rises on the eastern slopes of Mt Brewster) formally known as “Whare Manu” (House of the bird). Unfortunately, recent survey results with a protected species detector dog (2022) did not find any signs of whio (blue duck), last recorded in 1980’s. However kea, titipounamu (riffleman) and koekoeā (long-tailed cuckoo) were found to be present.
Kaka watch at dusk! Loving their calls!
The event finished with a fun and interactive quiz led by ABT’s Jackson Green, including pertinent questions from the three days activities and learning. It did get a little competitive but there was a clear winner of the latest bird guide by young ornithologist, Oscar Thomas. Around the same time kaka were about feeding on cherry’s just above the building. A beautiful and emotional Waiata closed the evening!
It was such an *honour to host Kāi Tahu participants, their presence in Makarore was amazing and really completed the picture for us (on a spiritual level) and in terms of integration of cultural heritage and biodiversity within conservation and the essentialimportance of embracingMātauranga Māori. We look forward to building on this collaboration going forward.
One of the Makarore kererū (often seen in flocks during the spring) busy feeding on ripe cherry’s (along with the resident kaka). Historically, the most fruitful bird harvested in the forest by Māori and an indicator of wellbeing and ecosystem health.
Acknowledgements
With thanks to: Kāi Tahu especially Paulette Tamati-Elliffe, Komene Cassidy and special guests Puke Timote and Rangi Mātāmua, Wonderland Makarora Lodge, Wilkin River Jets and Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand for enabling this special event to take place in Makarore, particuarly under Covid 19 circumstances (all participants/ science staff double vaccinated).
A monumental moment, when a pair of the world’s rarest wader’s turns up unexpectidly at Makarora (North Otago) at the start of the bird breeding season and then… realisation that you were at the captive release of one of them five years ago. The Kakī/black stilt (Himantopus novaezelandiae) is a critically endangered endemic wading bird considered important taonga (a living treasure) by Māori. The kaki is thought to be monogamous and birds often pair for life.
Kaki/ black stilt pair foraging over emphemeral grassland pools Makarora – August 2021
Leg colour band records have shown that both birds were hatched in the Department of Conservation captive breeding facility at Twizel and later released on the Tasman. Since then, they were first seen together on 9 Sept 2019 on the Tasman, in 2020 and also on 25 Feb 2021. Neither one has bred yet and now they are present at Makarora!
BkRBk/GW hatched on 26 Nov 2015 (5y old), released on the Tasman as a sub-adult (below bottom right at original release site) Aug 2016.
Kaki sub-adult BkRBk/GW (bottom right) at the Tasman release site – Aug 2016
GBkO/BkW hatched on 14 Nov 2017 (3y old), released on the Tasman as a juvenile in Jan 2018.
The presence of this species along with reguarly recorded wrybill, black-billed gull, banded dotterel, South Island pied-oystercatcher, pied stilt and black-fronted tern now completes the migratory braided river avifauna composition for Makarora.
Kakī have been intensley managed since 1981 when the population declined to a low of just 23 birds. The Department of Conservations Captive Breeding Centre in Twizel plays an essential role in the Kaki recovery programme. Conservation efforts to date have succeeded in averting extinction and increasing Kaki numbers. The current population of adult birds is now around 170 (per coms Aug 2021 DOC Twizel).
The main threats to kakī include: introduced invasive mammalian predators, habitat loss and human disturbance. Kakī are found within braided river habitat, associated pools and wetlands.
Kaki/ black stilt foraging at Makarora
Historically they were present throughout the braided rivers of the South Island, however today their spatial distribution is concentrated around the current release sites of the Tasman and the Godley Rivers with records of dispersal on the east coast near Christchurch, the top of the South Island and the south coast near Riverton. Within the Southern Lakes region the only other record (2020) is of a single kakī from the delta of the Matukituki River at the base of Lake Wanaka but this is the first time kakī have been recorded at the north of Lake Wanaka in Makarora since 1983 (when a pair was last confirmed nesting). Could this be a promising sign that this important taonga is ready to thrive beyound its original release sites..?
South Island kaki distribution (purple NZ Ebird) in relation to recent record, origial release site and the Captive Breeding Facility.
The kakī pair have been included within ABT’s braided river bird monitoring observations and reporting and certainly adds further validity to current ABT and other invasive predator control operations within the catchment. We hope they stay for the season and maybe even attempt to breed here!
Adult kaki (Makarora) showing colour leg bands on left leg used to identify individual birds (BkRBk/GW). Note colour bands fade over time.
Kaki primarily like to feed on insect larvae often in the subtrate of wetland habitats, molluscs, crustaceans and worms. They often feed by scything for worms and midge larvae in soft substrates and can be found sharing with the more common poaka/ pied stilt.
Thanks to Twizel DOC staff; Cody Thyne and Claudia Mischler following our colour band reporting for historical data on this excitng rare bird record.
“This sighting is super exciting for us. I can’t thank you enough for letting us know. I’d be interested to see what they end up doing – will they stay, will they move and be found elsewhere, will they breed? So if you happen to keep seeing them, please do let me know!”
Author and kaki observer: Rachel Hufton, image Rachel with Cody Thyne (Doc Twizel) at the original Kaki release site of BkRBk/GW, Tasman delta August 2016.
The Aspiring Biodiversity Trust (ABT) rock wren/ pīwauwau monitoring programme commenced during 2017/2018 summer season with focal alpine basin sites at Lake Crucibel and Lake Castalia/ Upper Lucidus, east of the main divide (Southern Alps/ Tiritiri o te Moana).
This season (2020/2021) the ABT bird monitoring team have been progressing rock wren/ pīwauwau monitoring, branching out into extended alpine habitat (from the two original monitoring sites) to determine if rock wren are present. This important data is essential to gain a better understanding of current residual populations of this endangered alpine passerine within the project area and measure population changes over time to better inform and guide appropriate conservation management.
Wonderland Valley – view from upper basin
This season the team were fortunate to be able to investigate the North Siberia and Wonderland Valley.
ABT are pleased to report that breeding populations of rock wren were recorded for both the upper Siberia basin and for Wonderland Valley with family groups and fledglings noted.
The upper Siberia and Wonderland Valley have now been identified as new breeding sites for this endangered species, which is promising as Wonderland Valley was not covered by the last aerial pesticide application (during October 2019) as part of the Department of Conservation Battle for our Birds.
Rock wren fledgling, Feb 2021 Wonderland
Survey methods involve 250m fixed transects identified within suitable rock wren habiatat where all birds seen or heard are recorded (as per DOC survey method based on a 2012 – 2018 rock wren study) and any behavioural observations noted.
Male rock wren with lepidoptera prey item.
At this time of the year rock wren are busy feeding up on plentiful invertebrates (including spiders, moths, butterflies, larvae, flies and some berries) before the winter draws in. At which point they are thought to remain in torpor. Individual birds during March were noted knocking their captured prey items against rocks to make them easier to consume. This could potentially explain some of the bill abrasions noted on a few of the colour banded birds previously captured.
Female rock wren colour banded (med blue, light blue over orange), Lake Crucible March 2021. NB: handling only by NZNBBS L3 Certified bird bander.
This female rock wren was in great condition with a good body weight of 19.5 grams and almost finished post-breeding moult. The females are known to be larger than the male birds which tend to weigh around 15.8 grams. Colour banding assits with identifying individual birds, their territories and provides information on fledgling success and dispersal. We hope to see this female with lots of fledglings next summer!
Upper Siberia home to rock wren and whio
ABT installed and manage a programme of invasive predator control from ridge to river for protection of reminant populations of threatened species such as rock wren and also blue duck/ whio where habitats interconnect. This includes the application of Celium Remote Technology within alpine/ upper river areas to aid trap servicng efficiency in remote areas and provide information on predator activity during the winter. This work is ongoing with improved connectivity of trapline coverage as per funding allows.
Makarora/Wilkin Catchment Threatened Species Project area ~ Ridge To River
The Aspiring Biodviersity Trust threatened species programmes from ridge to river depend on a range of multiple funders, supporters and volunteers and are only viable through positive multi-collaboration (particularly locally but also national and international), dedication and passion for New Zealands indigenous biodiversity.
If you would like to help suport species like the alpine rock wren and see them flourish, please get in touch. We would love to hear from you!
ABT’s rock wren protection and restoration programme forms part of a broader threatened species project for the Makarora Catchment from “ridge to river” and is complementary to the Department of Conservation Predator Control Plan for Makarora and in alignment with NZ Biodiversity Strategy i.e. to maintain and restore viable populations of all indigenous species across their natural range and maintainance of their genetic diversity.
Reference
McNab, B K, Weston, KA (2020). The energetics of the New Zealand rockwren (Xenicus gilviventris): could a passerine hibernate? Journal of Experimental Biology 2020.
Weston, K A, O’Donnell C F J, van Dam-Bates P, Monks J M (2018). Control of invasive predators improves breeding success of an endangered alpine passerine. International Journal of Avian Science. Vol 160, Issue 4.
The first Makarora Field Course was held from the 10 – 16 January 2021. This was the successful result of a partnership between Aspiring Biodiversity Trust and Operation Wallacea(Opwall) with support from LINZ, Birds New Zealand, Makarora Wonderland, local landowners and Wilkin River Jets.
The purpose of the field course was to promote the indigenous biodiversity of the Makarora catchment, create a valuable learning opportunity for students interested in careers based around wildlife management and conservation, contribute to good biological recording, whilst encouraging the future caretakers kaitiakitanga of the natural environment.
Students arrive at Makarora Field Course – yey!
Makarora Field Course Base Camp
Students from Wellington, Auckland and the Coromandel were met at Queenstown Airport, then joined a scenic coach trip over the Crown Range via Wanaka and Lake Hawea to the field course base camp at Makarora. Here the students and teachers were met by the ABT Science team and a representative from Operation Wallacea. The event commenced with a welcomming karikia before entering the learning facility for a welcome presentation and briefing. Students were then shown to their tents before the first group meal was served at the main Makarora Wonderland Lodge.
Forest vegetation plots
Bird banding and mist netting with NZNBBS certified bird bander
The week was divided into a series of applied learning activities focused on biological (fauna and flora) recording survey methods and monitoring with classroom sessions on data analysis, reporting and the use of the R Stats application via an overseas connection with Opwall lecturer’s in the United Kingdom.
Evenings were filled with lectures on geophysiography, protected species detection dog aided surveys (for whio), ABT’s Ridge to River Threatened Species Programme, a forest by night walk and concluded with a session on career’s in conservation and wildlife management with an inspiring and motivational finish for the future from Aspiring Biodiversity Trust patron – Lydia Bradey, recently awarded a New Zealand Order of Merit.
Braided river session including fluvioglacial processes, aquatic inverts and avifauna.
An awesome week of incredible weather and biodiversity concluded with a splendid Wonderland BBQ and a certificate presentation to students on their completion of the field course, plus the awarding of prises (including a NZ bird guide) for various notable achievements over the duration of the weeks activities. A farwell karikia and celebratory cakes completed a most memorable week for all involved.
Protected species survey dog, Hoki.
Thank you to all funders and supporters who helped enable the first pilot Makarora Field Course. The next Makarora field course dates start from 7-14 January 2022! Get in touch to find out more about the latest itinerary, we look forward to hearing from you 🙂
Lydia Bradey motivational talk following career’s panel.
Commentary from student, staff and parent post 2021 field course:
I would like to thank the team for providing an amazing experience for my son Aditya. He is very grateful to get this wonderful opportunity of working with the best in their fields at such a young age. The communication, management and service has been great fro this trip. Thanks again. Jyoti
Thanks for running such an awesome course here in such a beautiful place. You and your team have provided invaluable insight into the real world – science and ecology. Hope to be back in the future. Dylon
By seeing the banded dotterel chick and other amazing sights, I felt like I was learning in a real meaningful way. Thanks, Fiver
Rachel, we did it! Congratulations on puttng together such an amazing field course you should be very proud of what you have achieved. It has been a real pleasure working with you! Hopefully we can do it again. Jihan
The fourth annual braided river bird walkover survey was a touch more challanging this year due to unsettled weather conditions with strong winds, sandstorms, downpoors and subsequent rising river and lake levels. This highlights the necessary considerations involved such as timing and weather monitoring before undertaking this important work.
A gusty second day on the river with water levels rising after a night of rain. Image Karthic
The Aspiring Biodiversity Trust team were determined to complete the length of the river walkover from Boiler Flat down to the river delta and with the additional help of a new volunteer Karthic (to the left below), a wildlife and conservation film maker with Natural History New Zealand (NHNZ) from Dunedin. Karthic found the experience “quite an eye opener” and savoured the remoteness of the location throughout his stay. He hopes to return when conditions are more suitable for wildlife filming!
Walkover sections being divided up to help maximise cover of braided river bird habitat by surveyors
The ABT bird surveyors in action (above) planning survey route sections and safe river crossings. All key braided river bird bird species were present however in generally lower numbers with more dispersed distribution in comparison to previous years. Total counts will be analysed and compared with national trends for key braided river bird species. This was the first wrybill pair of the year recorded foraging along the waters edge.
Female wrybill with a more slendar neck collar
Male wrybill with a wider neck collar and black patch to the forehead
The male and the female are very similar, with subtle differences in colouration and markings. Nick Beckwith a regular ABT volunteer captured this pair nicely on the first survey day.
A nest site was later found (below) the pale grey eggs and nest site highlight the incredible cryptic adaptations of these species enabling them to breed in such a harsh environment with considerable threats.
The female had briefly left this nest site (below) to forage on aquatic invertebrates along the nearby waters edge which enabled this image.
A wrybill nest site on the Makarora River
Thanks to Wilkin River Jets who facilitated the lower Makarora River section of the survey and the upper Wilkin River section. Image below shows the view up the Wilkin Valley from the jet boat, with snow capped Mt Aeolus in the background. There was certainly a crisp chill in the wind that day despite the blue, blue sky.
The team were fortunate to be able to stay at Makarora during the surveys especially during the busy production of a new top secret film (due out in March 2021).
As the day came to an end for the wonder that is Makarora, the stars appeared and the familar call of a pair of morepork/ ruru could be heard from the forest alongside the soothing flow of the river. Morepork presence is a positive indication of ecosystem health and this species appearers to be increasing in the valley.
The night sky – looking west over the Makarora River towards the Young Valley. Image Nick Beckwith.
*Thanks to all involved and those who helped enable this work. Including Sarah Forder, Nick Beckwith, Karthic SS, Danyel and Alex at Wilkin River Jets, Mt Albert Station and Dan and Carol Orbell.
Funding support provided by (LINZ) Land Information New Zealand.
The Aspiring Biodiversity Trust were out in full force on Tuesday and Wednesday (11 & 12 August), determined to increase the protection of our important threatened Taonga species in preparation for the upcomming breeding season. Bill Day of Seaworks kindly offered his assistance of considerable helicopter time; thanks to Lydia Bradey, ABT’s Patron recently awarded a New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM).
A crisp early start at Makarora; Bill Day arrives for the initial health and safety briefing before take off into the backcountry. Left to right: Andy Longman, Lydia Bradey, Bill Day (pilot) & Anthony Coote.
Invasive mammal traps fitted with kea proof fixings were assembled locally then transported to Makarora by vehicle. Here the team (Anthony Coote, Lydia Bradey, Rachel Hufton, Karen Day, Andy Longman) were met by Bill Day (Director of Seaworks keen to contribute to indigenous biodiversity protection) in his B0105 helicopter, equiped with plenty of space for transporting predator traps into the backcountry.
The endangered alpine rock wren (juvenile) or pīwauwau, Crucible Basin.
Traps were droped at a number of locations including the upper Siberia, Crucible Basin, upper/lower Lucidus and Wilkin Valley. The locations are of particular importance for remnant populations of the alpine rock wren, the ancient blue duck (whio) and kea (as indentified by ABT surveys and monitoring) and will intensify current predator control regimes.
Trap drop at lower Lucidus – where the habitat of rock wren overlaps with blue duck/ whio territories.
Existing traps identified as triggered from Encounter Solution’s remote monitoring Celium technology were serviced. The new traps will be fitted with detection nodes extending the alpine remote monitoring network. Stoats are currently active within the alpine environment (where rock wren are likely to be particuarly vulnerable in their current state of torpor durung the winter) and down to the river valley (where blue duck frequent whilst foraging for aquatic invertebrates or grazing from algae clad boulders).
An adult blue duck or whio within the upper Siberia Valley, Makarora.
The stoat Mustela erminea is a small mammalian carnivore native to Eurasia and North America. The Wilkin was one of the first New Zealand introduction sites back in 1885’s in an attempt to control rabbits. Usually, the fur is chestnut brown with a white underbelly; the tail has a black tip and is the most distinguishing feature of this mustelid. Some stoats undergo a white moult during the winter in alpine New Zealand, the tail tip remains black as shown in the example below from our last trip.
An upper Wilkin alpine stoat (a varacious predator of indigeonous wildlife) displaying its pale coat aiding camouflage during the winter months. Note: animal captured humanely with DOC 200 trap.
Lydia Bradey and Bill Day discussing the importance of the work Aspiring Biodiversity Trust have been doing to date and taking a moment to appreciate their incredible homeland in what was optimal weather conditions. 🙂
Lydia Bradey and Bill Day expressing the importance of indigenous biodiversity protection and restoration (Upper Wilkin Valley), fundamental to New Zealand’s cultural heritage.
Aspiring Biodiversity Trust actively contributing to the goals of Predator Free 2050 and working towards local and national Biodiversity Strategys through collaborative engagement.
Acknowledgements
With thanks to all our funders, volunteers and incredible supporters particuarly Perry Brooks and Rich Raynes for predator trap assembly, the Department Of Conservation (DOC) for validation of landing sites and Backcountry Helicopters for remainder of team pickup on Wednesday.
Focused on two alpine study sites; the Crucible Basin within the Siberia Valley and the Upper Lucidus/Castalia Basin within the north branch of the Wilkin Valley with extension into adjacent basins. Rock wren monitoring transects defined and surveyed initially for both sites during 2017/2018. The results of this survey work guided deployment of alpine invasive mammal traps and subsequent installation of Celium remote trap monitoring technology to improve predator control trap servicing efficiency and provide additional information on predator movements (first image above shows a male rock wren in moult, note abraided wing and tail feathers).
Following ABT’s initial rock wren monitoring transect surveys undertaken during summer 2017/2018 and observations during 2018/2019 breeding season ABT have now commenced colour banding of individual birds.
A newly colour banded rock wren at Lake Crucible
This bird monitoring method helps to identify individual birds, confirm rock wren territories and provide information on dispersal and survival of post-breeding juveniles whilst providing an indicator of predator control success. We can also learn about moult strategies for this unique alpine passerine.
Ornithologist Rachel Hufton taking morphological measurements during rock wren colour banding
Specialist mist nets are errected within known breeding territories and an audible lure is used to encourage individuals into the net. The mist net shelves are kept low as rock wren flight is limited and birds often forage close to the ground on terrestrial insects (spiders, moths, beetles and flies) and berries from low growing plants such as Muehlenbeckia axillaris (below).
Succulent fruits of Muehlenbeckia axillaris. Several rock wren have been noted foraging from this plant during February within the Crucible basin.
All birds are carefully extracted from mist nets by a NZNBBS certified bird bander. Three colour bands (two on the right leg, one on the left) are carefuly applied, biometric measurements taken and any observations on moult or body condition are recorded.
A mist net (9m) located within suitable rock wren habitat.
A combination of adult and juvenile birds have been banded during the 2019/2020 season. Images below show an adult male with a prominant supercilium and a weight of 14.6g. This bird appears to have gone through post-breeding moult (moulting is the periodic replacement of feathers by shedding old ones whilst producing new ones).
Male rock wren post- breeding moult (March 2020).
Rear of male rock wren showing new primaries and tail feathers.
This monitoring work provides addition information on rock wren in an area which has not previously been investigated at this level, complementary to existing study sites such as in Fiordland, and Haast, contributing to overall knowledge to promote effective future conservation management for this nationally endangered species. We look forward to further progressing rock wren monitoring during the next breeding season 2020/2021.
The Crucible basin, one of the Makarora catchment alpine study site for the endangered rock wren. During December a haze of ash and dust from the Australian bush fires could be seen on the top of the lake.
ABT’s rock wren protection and restoration programme forms part of a broader threatened species project for the Makarora Catchment from “ridge to river” and is complementary to the Department of Conservation Predator Control Plan for Makarora as referenced within ABT’s Community Agreement and in accordance with NZ Biodiversity Strategy i.e. to maintain and restore viable populations of all indigenous species across their natural range and maintainance of their genetic diversity.
With thanks to: Otago Regional Council, Perpetual Guardians Ltd, DOC Community Fund, Otago Community Trust, Backcountry Helicopters, Southern Alps Air and all amazing volunteers.
References:
Aspiring Biodiversity Trust (2018). Rock wren protection and enhancement programme. Helping protect and restore Makarora catchment threatened species.
Heath, S M 1989 The breeding biology of the rock wren, Xenicus gilviventris in the Murchison Mountains,
Fiordland National Park, South Island, New Zealand Otago University
Melville, D S (2013 reprint). Moult in birds. British Trust for Ornithology. Guide 19.
Melville, D S (2011). NZNBBS Bird Banders Manual. DOC, Wellington.
Weston, K A, O’Donnell C F J, van Dam-Bates P, Monks J M (2018). Control of invasive predators improves breeding success of an endangered alpine passerine. International Journal of Avian Science. Vol 160, Issue 4.
McNab, B K, Weston, KA (2020). The energetics of the New Zealand rockwren (Xenicus gilviventris): could a passerine hibernate? Journal of Experimental Biology 2020.
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