references
highest nesting seabirds in the world. The relationship between kea and the shearwater is a fascinating one, with kea predating on shearwater chicks prior to the seabirds fledging. This project will therefore build on kea population
estimates, focusing on numbers of breeding females and nestling survivorship at representative sites undergoing differing predator control regimes. It will also provide insight into the relationship between these two species
at the Kaikoura site which, as yet, is poorly understood. This location is particularly steep and rugged and will make a highly challenging site for next year’s team!
our proJeCTs
Looking ahead: 2013-2014
The coming year will be extremely busy with on-going population research, nest monitoring, predator control and advocacy programmes running throughout the South Island. Our current projects include followup tracking and monitoring of kea at our 2013 Summer Survey site – Kiwi Saddle, Kahurangi; nest monitoring at Nelson Lakes, Kiwi Saddle, Hawdon Valley, Borland and a new site in Otira; initiation of a predator control programme to protect our Nelson Lakes nests; captive surface repellent trials which aim to prevent kea accessing bait stations and traps (as well as interfering with human items); on-going use of repellents on sheep in the Central Otago area; and our annual Winter Advocacy Tour. New projects will include a survey of the Kaikoura Mountain kea in January 2014, followed by nest monitoring at this site throughout the 2014 breeding season. With long-term funding now a reality we will also be able to plan nest monitoring at all our sites for the next 3 years – a major bonus. As well as our field and advocacy projects, we will be continuing development of our new ‘Strategic Plan for Kea Conservation’ in partnership with DOC; encouraging zoos and facilities holding captive kea to achieve and surpass the new minimum standards for kea; and will review the way in which we connect with people through our first point of contact – our website (which is in the process of being reviewed and upgraded). We also want to ensure that we are providing the next generation with fun and
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inspiring resources to kick-start their interest in kea and, as a result, their desire to protect the unique ecosystems in which kea are just one piece of the puzzle. As in the past, our future work couldn’t be achieved without the generous support of our partners who continue to provide vital funding, inkind support, expertise and enthusiasm, and our growing pool of volunteers. We also couldn’t continue our work without all those people who make up our Board and working committees who give significant time and resources towards developing projects, and ensure that the operational side of the Trust ticks over year by year. We look forward to more individuals and organisations coming on board to support our projects in the coming years.
Photos: Corey Mosen