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2013 Kea Conservation Trust Summer Survey
Tamsin Orr-Walker and Corey Mosen Kiwi Saddle, Kahurangi National Park & beyond!
The second year of the kea population surveys, carried out in Kahurangi National Park, saw a team of 13 brave the often wet conditions to survey the kea population at Kiwi Saddle from the 12-22 January. The Kahurangi Survey was a collaborative project between the KCT and the Department of Conservation, and was pulled together on the smell of an oily rag by site co-ordinator Corey Mosen. Evidence of kea at this site was sparse, with only one adult female (Maiden) caught and no fledglings sighted. This was of concern as, during the nest monitoring season (June-December 2012), two nests were monitored, each containing chicks. By November one nest had failed (most probably predated by a weka); however Maiden’s nest still contained 3 chicks. Although no fledglings were sighted during the survey, follow-up monitoring found that 2 chicks had survived to successfully fledge from this one nest. Maiden has been fitted with
a diagnostic transmitter and will be followed throughout the 2013 breeding season along with other resident females – Helen Clark, Janis and Neve. This will enable nesting activity and fledgling success to be logged for another year (funded by the NZ Lottery Grants Board). Thanks to all of our intrepid field workers and volunteers who very kindly supported this year’s survey
with their time, enthusiasm and expertise: Corey Mosen (site co-ordinator), Matt Charteris, Liam Bothilo, Lesley Hadley, Tom Goodman, Andy Newman, Patrick Crowe, Erin Kennedy, Tanya Sheenan (Auckland Zoo), Brock Evans, Phoebe van der Pol, Joe Hay and Emma Bardsley. A big thanks in particular goes to field volunteer Lesley Hadley for her very generous donation of $500, which provided much needed funds to help feed the crew during the survey period. THE KAIKOURA MOUNTAINS – 2014 In addition to the Kiwi Saddle location a new site in Kowhai Valley, Kaikoura Mountains (funded by the NZ Lottery Grants Board) will kick off in January 2014. The Kaikoura Mountains are home to the most eastern population of kea in New Zealand and has not previously been studied. As such, little is known about their range and their nesting behaviour. This area is also home to nesting Hutton’s Shearwater. Their nests are located 1200-1800m above sea-level making them one of the
Photo: Joe Hay
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Photos: Corey Mosen