Auckland conservation boost to kokako numbers

Kokako population on the rise in the Hunua Ranges

July 2009. Continued success in the protection of a rare native bird species is being recorded in the Hunua Ranges Regional Park. With around 750 pairs of kokako left in the North Island, the number of breeding pairs and young produced in the Hunua Ranges Kokako Management Area (KMA) has the potential to make a significant contribution to the future security of the species.

In 2008/09 the Hunua kokako project, managed jointly by the Auckland Regional Council (ARC) and Department of Conservation (DOC), reported 18 breeding pairs established in the managed area. Since management of the population began 15 years ago at least 58 young are known to have been produced.

1994 just 1 breeding pair

"In 1994 the ARC stepped in to save a tiny population of kokako rapidly heading toward local extinction. This was outside the normal duties of a local body, however had we not intervened, this population would have become locally extinct. At the time there was only one breeding pair surviving in the Hunua Ranges," says ARC Chairman Mike Lee.

"This partnership between the ARC and DOC is a vital effort in saving this treasured species from the threat of extinction - a reality for the South Island kokako, which is now assumed to be extinct.

50 pairs by 2020

The Hunua KMA contributes to a recovery plan for kokako in the North Island, managed by DOC. In that plan there is a long-term objective to establish a population of at least 50 pairs of kokako in the Hunua Ranges by 2020. ARC natural heritage scientist Dr Tim Lovegrove says that this target is realistic.

"Based on the rate of increase in the number of breeding pairs in the population to date, the target of 50 pairs in the managed area by 2020 should be achievable. To ensure that this is achieved continued pest control is necessary," says Dr Lovegrove.

Intensive pest control

Intensive pest control is undertaken on an 1100 hectare grid. This work is supervised by two experts employed by the ARC and is supported by park rangers and volunteers, who monitor the poison bait stations and traps. Volunteers also monitor nests, birds and pest tracking tunnels. In the last year a total of 2090 volunteer hours were dedicated to the management of the Hunua kokako population by 50 volunteers.

ARC biosecurity programmes, such as possum and control, across the Hunua Ranges also contribute biodiversity gains in the KMA.

Increases in Bellbird and kaka

"As well as success with kokako, we have seen increases in bellbird and kaka numbers, and a thriving population of Hochstetter's frogs in the ranges," says Dr Lovegrove.

Kokako numbers are slowly increasing in the Hunua Ranges. Credit Auckland regional Council.


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