references
Marshall, Sara Larcombe and Joel Zwartz (many with extensive bird handling and surveying experience). THE KAIKOURA MOUNTAINS During the period 15 to 23 January 2014 a kea census was conducted by a group of 11 people in the Seaward Kaikoura range, specifically around Mt Fyffe, Kowhai Stream and Happy Valley. As in the previous survey, all kea activity was recorded by teams during the hours 6am to 9am and 6pm to 9pm and follow-up visits to the sites were conducted if there was significant sign of kea. Sound recorders were also trialled at this site to compare detection rates with that of on-the-ground surveyers. Three kea were caught, two of these were fitted with transmitters
(one with a radio transmitter and the other with GPS) and significant kea activity was recorded around the Shearwater Hut and Kowhai Saddle. Extreme weather featured quite a lot during the survey periods but the team managed to complete the survey despite a range of weather conditions, from some scorching hot days to others with rain, sleet, snow and high winds. Thanks to the great team, headed again by Corey Mosen, which included experienced bird handlers Liam Bolitho, Matt Charteris, Reuben Lane, Lucy Rossiter, Rosie Willacy, Mitchell Bartlett, Steve Parker and Paul van Klink, and supported by volunteers Joe Hay and Rob Skjellerup. The KCT team would like to acknowledge the following groups and individuals who supported the
Kaikoura survey: DOC Kaikoura for providing radio communication and schedules for staff and volunteer safety; Kevin and Sandy Topp; Ivan Wilson; Sam and Nicky McArthur for allowing access to their properties and providing huts to stay in; Kaikoura Helicopters for providing advice about and transport into the shearwater colony area; Josh Kemp for technical advice and loan of equipment. At the Kahurangi survey we would like to acknowledge the following groups and individuals: DOC Motueka for providing radio communication and schedules for staff and volunteer safety; Lesley Hadley for her generous donation to purchase fresh food for the survey; Josh Kemp for technical advice and loan of equipment.
OUR PROJECTS
Looking ahead: 2014-2015
This will be the first year since our inception that we will be working to a 5–10 year project plan – a plan that has been developed in collaboration with Department of Conservation and with a clear view to include national and international stakeholders. To ensure continuity over the coming years our draft Strategic Plan for Kea Conservation will be completed and signed off by our primary stakeholders. Additionally, we will be reviewing the results of our research to date and, with our partners, will retune and refine our future direction to ensure best outcomes for kea conservation. Ongoing projects will include our population monitoring and nest monitoring research programmes, increased predator control at monitored nests in Nelson Lakes, development of our advocacy and education programmes, and continued trialling and development of surface repellents for multiple applications. New projects will include human/ kea conflict resolution and development of our global conflicts networks, removal of lead throughout kea habitat, and identification of new tools and resources to encourage and enable more community involvement in kea conservation efforts.
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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.