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monitored across this site and 3 females tracked – Mynx, Aphrodite and Scuffle. Mynx’s nest showed large amounts of stoat visitation and no breeding or nesting attempts. Eggshell was found in Scuffle’s nest but unfortunately both cameras had been removed by the kea and breeding or predation events could not be confirmed. Aphrodite was found to be nesting in a new cavity located on the south side of the ridge she is usually found on. A camera was set up to monitor the entrance and the stoat trapping network was extended to help safeguard her chicks. These traps caught a substantial number of stoats in a short amount of time, however when the cavity was checked later in the season, the brood was gone and a stoat was observed on the camera footage to have visited the cavity. Aphrodite’s other known cavities were then monitored in case of a re-nest attempt; however she was located in a new cavity with eggshell outside the entrance. This provided evidence that she had again been unsuccessful at nesting, even within the area protected by the stoat trap network. A further nest was checked for occupancy and fresh nesting material was found inside indicating kea were frequenting the cavity. Cameras were set up to monitor activity with footage revealing regular kea activity as well as a large amount of stoat, possum and rat presence in and around the entrance. A small trapping network was set up around the area but failed to catch anything during the period. Eggshell was found just outside the entrance late in the season providing proof of breeding effort but the cameras were unable to determine the reason for the failure. Hawdon Valley – Arthur’s Pass Six females were tracked across the 4,000 ha site in the Hawdon Valley. This area has been monitored since 2010. Three active
nests were located during the 2013 season and a fourth showed potential. However only two nests successfully fledged two chicks each. Three new cavities were located, one of which contained an active brood. Unfortunately this nest failed although the reason could not be determined. Trail cameras were used to monitor these sites for predator visits as well as brood development. One new transmitter was placed on an adult female so we can continue to monitor her through future seasons. How was found in her usual cavity quite early in the season sitting inside with two large chicks. The brood was monitored by trail cameras, both inside and outside. This nest was successful and two chicks were captured, and PTT transmitters attached to them just prior to them leaving the nest. Beryl was found sitting on eggs in her usual nest site. Cameras were used to monitor the nest throughout the season and the two chicks were captured and banded just prior to fledging. Sally was tracked to a new nest cavity where she was found inside with a broken egg. A camera was deployed outside the cavity which showed a large amount of kea activity around the entrance. The next time the cavity was checked, Sally was present but then moved to another cavity which contained fresh moss and nesting material. This cavity didn’t have any eggs, however a further camera was set up to monitor activity. The next time this cavity was checked it was found to be vacant and another cavity was located following the same process. This cavity was also vacant but a camera was set up to monitor any activity in the area. No further breeding effort was detected during the season. She was caught up and fitted with a new transmitter ensuring that she will be able to be monitored for at least another two breeding seasons. 13