Newsletter Number 66 June - Aug 2016

Transcription

1 Newsletter Number 66 June - Aug 2016 Hōtoke - winter A relatively mild mid-year doubtless made a happier winter season for our resident plants and animals, until colder weather struck in August. But longer days are here now. No mustelids in the Ecosanctuary this winter, just rats and mice. Never mind, our staff know how to deal with these periodic outbreaks. Winter also brought the AGM of the Otago Natural History Trust, who govern the Ecosanctuary operation. After the AGM, a great presentation by Alison Cree and Scott Jarvie illustrated the difficulties of a tuatara census, which required four different methods of detecting these cryptic fauna. The good news was a healthy population of tuatara, which was not a certain outcome after last winter s mustelid mayhem. The uncertainty was warranted because last year within the Ecosanctuary seems to have been the only known occasion when stoats have coexisted with tuatara. The AGM also brought change to ONHT, with three Trustees stepping down and three new Trustees being elected. Read on to learn more about these changes. From the Trust This is my first column as the new Chair of the Trust. It is a great privilege to be asked to play this role for this very special venture, and I will make the best contribution I can to bringing our dreams into reality. My first thought is one of gratitude for the huge contribution made by our departing trustees, Neville Peat as Chair, and Alyth Grant and Graeme Leith. The Trust is made up of some really talented and experienced people. Marian Hobbs (a former Minister for the Environment) takes a special interest in the sanctuary's education programmes. She will also take on the role of Secretary to the Trust. Tony Stewart will be the Trust's link to our wonderful volunteers. Ross Smith continues his greatly valued role as Treasurer, keeping our project away from financial stress. He and Marian also lead our planning for future development of the site at Orokonui - something we do need to do, as visitor numbers grow. Errol Nye and Kelvin Lloyd provide their indispensable guidance on the sanctuary's development as an emerging restored ecosystem, aided by the Department of Conservation s (DOC) David Agnew who has been a valued advisor to the Trust for many years. Several members of the Trust are also members of the newly-established Orokonui Knowledge Group, which gives advice to the Board on the research and operational learning that happens in the sanctuary. I chair the OKG and Professor Claire Freeman provides a link to the University on that group, in addition to her role as advisor to the Trust. I am sorry to report that Lyn Carter, who has been Kati Huirapa's representative on the Trust for several years, has had to resign for personal reasons. Her replacement will be forthcoming in due course. It won't be long until Orokonui will complete its first decade. It is amazing to see what has been achieved in that time. Many of us remember standing on a bare hillside, waving our arms around to show where the Visitor Centre would go. We also remember the closing of 1

2 the gates and the completion of the great fence that has allowed the transformation within. Those wonderful initiatives continue. Since the last newsletter, another cohort of Haast tokoeka chicks has arrived at the sanctuary. Orokonui was well represented in the New Zealand International Science Festival with exhibits at the University and in the Wall Street Mall, as well as "Nature at Night" up at the sanctuary. We were finalists in the biodiversity category of the Government's Green Ribbon Awards. We did not win, but then all of the awards went to the North Island, so maybe there was something else going on? And the future opens ahead in the shape of the Landscape Connections Trust (LCT) that is marshalling community support over 55,000 hectares surrounding Orokonui to reduce predator levels, improve habitat for native species, and monitor their return. With the tagline of Beyond Orokonui, LCT will be a welcome partner in our mission to tilt ecological and social balances in favour of conservation and restoration of our own native species. Its success will also help reduce the number of predators that currently patrol our boundary fence. Kia kaha! We are looking forward to having LCT locate its first facilities at Orokonui. Meanwhile there are big futures ahead for Orokonui itself, with planned expansion to our roles in education and research in addition to the ongoing development of an ecosystem that simply would not exist without our fence, and the commitment of hundreds of people to make it all happen. I look forward to working more closely with the many people who make Orokonui the great success that it is. Colin Campbell-Hunt, ONHT Chair. Ecosanctuary Report We have steered through the short winter very well from biodiversity and visitor perspectives; no major pest incursions and good visitor numbers overall. Our winter events have helped draw people in and more events are planned for spring. The Department of Conservation (DOC) has regularly supported the Ecosanctuary with funding since our early days but in the last funding round declined our application despite our meeting their priorities and our application being well presented. We re all aware that DOC funding is reducing and the number of projects applying is increasing. This presses us to become more financially independent of grants and I feel confident that the extraordinary level of support shown by the community will increase and see us through. We encourage all of our members to extend their support of Orokonui. If each member donated the value of a cup of coffee each week we d easily replace the DOC funding! Join our group of monthly donors by taking the attached Automatic Payment form into your bank and help Orokonui to keep saving our precious wildlife and champion the cause of conservation in New Zealand! Chris Baillie, General Manager Changes at the Top The Otago Natural History Trust board has quite a different look to it following the recent AGM, where three existing Trustees stood down and three new Trustees were elected in their 2

3 places. Furthermore, Trustee Dr Lyn Carter, who represented Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki, resigned from the Trust after the AGM for personal reasons. So the Trust board now comprises existing Trustees Colin Campbell-Hunt, Ross Smith, and Kelvin Lloyd, new trustees Marion Hobbs, Tony Stewart, and Errol Nye, and we have a vacancy for an iwi representative. Departing trustees The trustees who departed at the AGM were former Trust chair Neville Peat, Secretary Alyth Grant, and Graeme Leith, who advised on infrastructure issues. Neville has provided excellent service as our Trust Chair and we will miss him. Managing key relationships is the most important task for the Chair and Neville excelled at this. Leading the Trust for six years, Neville has navigated us through some difficult periods, including debate about Trust representation, and last year s untrappable stoat issue. He leaves the Trust in an excellent position, and hopes to remain involved. Alyth is a longstanding volunteer for the Ecosanctuary, and became a Trustee some years ago to provide a particular focus on keeping our valuable volunteers motivated. Alyth helped organise several functions recognising the importance of Orokonui volunteers, and regularly spoke in support of volunteers during trust meetings. More recently, Alyth took over the organisation of the monthly Wild Ways column in the Otago Daily Times. While stepping down as a Trustee, Alyth will continue to be involved in the Ecosanctuary as a volunteer, as she has done since its inception. Graeme Leith provided a key focus on infrastructure developments at the Ecosanctuary, and helped develop a pre-project planning process which has improved the process for Trust approval of Ecosanctuary developments. The Trust is also embarking on a spatial plan to provide for increased visitation to the Ecosanctuary. Lyn Carter has provided very sound advice at Trust meetings, and has represented Kati Huirapa well, helping to create a stronger relationship between ONHT and Kati Huirapa. Every translocation involving indigenous fauna requires consultation with donor iwi. Kati Huirapa becomes the host iwi, maintaining watch over the translocated species on behalf of the donor iwi, and assisting ONHT with advice on iwi consultation. Lyn and Kati Huirapa helped considerably with fauna translocation issues, and provided Orokonui with an excellent Maori perspective on indigenous flora, fauna, and environment. The Ecosanctuary would be a lesser place without Kati Huirapa involvement, and we look forward to a having a new Kati Huirapa representative on the Trust board. New trustees Marion Hobbs, a former Minister of the Environment, had attended ONHT meetings in an advisory capacity for the last few months prior to being elected at the recent AGM. A strong supporter of Wellington s Karori Sanctuary during her time in Wellington, since retiring to Dunedin in 2013 Marion has been supporting Orokonui Ecosanctuary. Marion has a strong background in teaching and education, and will provide excellent support to Ecosanctuary Lead Educator, Tahu Mackenzie. Errol Nye has attended ONHT meetings for some time in an advisory capacity, and was elected to the Trust board at the recent AGM. Errol is well known as a kakapo ranger for the 3

4 Department of Conservation, in particular for his role as Sirocco s minder or roadie when staying at the Ecosanctuary. He has good knowledge of Department of Conservation processes and conservation issues involving indigenous fauna. Tony Stewart has been one of the Ecosanctuary s most significant volunteers for many years, involved in a wide range of Ecosanctuary operations. With Alyth departing, the Trust needed another strong voice for volunteers, and Tony will fill that role very well. Tony is also skilled in IT and electronics, and is currently mentoring Kings High School student William Satterthwaite, who is working on an electronic alert system to monitor the kiwi crèche gates. Biodiversity News Fauna Haast tokoeka Six Haast tokoeka juveniles were harvested from the crèche for return to the wild in May, and another seven arrived to replace them. Currently there are nine juvenile Haast tokoeka residing within the crèche. These are expected to leave us later in the year and are the last kiwi that will be grown in the creche for several years as DOC is testing how safe a new 1080 operation will make their West Coast habitat. Kaka A kaka census was conducted over six evenings in May/June. Four teams spent two hours each evening identifying kaka at the four kaka feeders. Twenty-six banded birds were identified, and ten unbanded kaka, of which eight appeared to be newly Orokonui-raised fledglings. This indicates good recruitment, and about doubles the next highest previous kaka fledging record at Orokonui. Thirty six kaka is a good result, but there is a decline in the number of older birds, at least one of which we know perished from stoat predation. We now have several kaka-related tasks to work on, including the capture and banding of unbanded birds, removing old transmitters, installing more nest boxes, and recruiting people to census tree cavities suitable for kaka breeding, and come spring, detect kaka nesting. Robin Robin have now spread throughout the Ecosanctuary and are regularly observed on public walking tracks. Their steep climb in numbers paused a little last year, which may have been due to the stoat, a cold winter, or other factors, but with over 40 pairs nesting this year their numbers should continue to rise until carrying capacity is reached - at this point lets hope that pest control in the halo around the Ecosanctuary helps them to maintain populations in neighbouring areas. Tuatara Due to the difficulties of detecting tuatara, and the intensive field work required, Alison Cree at the University of Otago is keen to hear from anyone who sees tuatara or their sign. A pamphlet available at the Ecosanctuary reception details what to look for, and how best to contact Alison. 4

5 Creature Feature Orokonui lizards Carey Knox Today, there are five lizard species (three skinks and two geckos) that call Orokonui home. At least two of these species were present prior to the construction of the fence and the eradication of pests (southern grass skink and korero gecko) and three species have been translocated (jewelled gecko, Otago skink, and green skink). The jewelled geckos were first translocated to Orokonui in 2008/09 with a second transfer in 2012, and now appear to be well established. Green skinks were only recently translocated, but initial post-release monitoring is yielding promising results. Otago skinks (ex. captive individuals) were translocated primarily for advocacy and can be seen in an enclosure near the top of the sanctuary. The five lizard species inside Orokonui are described in more detail below with accompanying photographs. Jewelled gecko (Naultinus gemmeus): A cryptic, arboreal (tree or shrub dwelling) lizard found in Otago and Canterbury. Their habitat consists of native shrublands or forest. During warm, sunny weather jewelled geckos sometimes bask amongst the foliage of shrubs or trees. Jewelled geckos are long-lived and produce a maximum of two live young per year. The major known threats to jewelled geckos are predation by introduced mammals, habitat loss or fragmentation (including fires), and illegal collection for the black market pet trade. 5

6 Korero gecko (Woodworthia sp. Otago-large): A widespread gecko in Otago and Southland, often found in rocky places, but can also inhabit shrubland and forest with sufficient retreats. Found from coastlines up to at least 1300 m. Largely nocturnal, but will sun-bask at the entrance of a retreat. Can be arboreal or terrestrial. They are likely to be gradually building up in number inside Orokonui. Green skink (Oligosoma chloronoton, Clade 3b): Green skinks are large, diurnal skinks that prefer well vegetated (often damp) habitats with plenty of ground cover. Although distributed from South Canterbury to Stewart Island, they are now patchy within this range - probably due to habitat loss and predation by introduced mammals. Furthermore, the green skink has been split into four clades based on morphology and/or genetics differences (and some of these may eventually be considered separate species). Each clade should be managed separately. The clade (3b) which was introduced to Orokonui is only commonly reported from two areas in Otago, emphasising the importance of the translocation to Orokonui. Thanks to member, Adele Poulter, for funding this translocation. 6

7 Southern grass skink (Oligosoma aff. polychroma Clade 5): An abundant and conspicuous skink in many parts of southern New Zealand, clade 5 of the grass skink (previously known as the common skink) is found from Canterbury south to Stewart Island. It occupies a wide range of habitats including sand dunes, grasslands, wetlands, shrublands, rocky sites and herbfields. Found from the coast up into the alpine zone. Diurnal and an avid sun-basker. Females breed annually and produce 1-10 live young in each litter in January or February. Otago skink (Oligosoma otagense): These large skinks were formally widespread across Otago, but have become endangered primarily due to predation from introduced mammals. They are now restricted to 8% of their former range. Today they occupy deeply creviced schist outcrops and bluffs, mostly along valley sides or deep rocky gorges. Biosecurity Mustelids Still nothing to report at Orokonui The recent snow event saw staff remove snow from the hood, using a novel and completely safe technique involving a broom and ATV. Snow was removed from 7 km of fence line in 3.5 hours using this technique. Removing snow reduces the potential for snow bridges allowing pest animals to gain access to the top of the hood from underneath. During the three days that the snow remained around much of the fence, staff checked for stoat prints each morning. Unlike last year thankfully only kiwi prints were observed. 7

8 Rodents A full tracking tunnel pulse of the Ecosanctuary (1,350 tunnels) was conducted from 1-8 June, with fine weather throughout this period. 5% of tunnels were tracked by mice, which is the highest mouse tracking rate for some time. While no rats were detected, the rodent dog deployed on 8 June indicated at least one rat is present. As a consequence, most of the Ecosanctuary was covered by a bait station operation in July. Mice continue to be caught occasionally, and one ship rat was caught, close to where a print was observed earlier in winter. Another tracking tunnel pulse was undertaken in late August. Weed control Arboricultural students spent five full days felling exotic trees in Marie s Block in May. Excellent work was achieved thanks very much! External trapping The external traps continue to catch numerous pest animals, the 2016 tally currently stands at: 8 ferrets, 47 hedgehogs, 43 mice, 12 possums, 6 rabbits, 38 rats, 5 stoats and 18 weasels.. Contrast that lot with the 'rats and mice' trapped within the Ecosanctuary during the same period. The Xcluder fence certainly does make a difference, but roll on the Halo Project. Trail camera experiment Dr Yolanda van Heezik from the University and Otago and a visiting academic, Dr Rob Davis from Edith Cowan University in Perth are undertaking a trail-camera study to assess the population of cats, and potentially other pest animals, in the 'halo' around the Ecosanctuary. Dr Davis is a specialist in the implementation of trail camera studies and the analysis of trail camera data. The trial will be a small one, involving 20 trail cameras, but the results will be interesting. Cats are a good subject for trail camera research, as their markings make them suitable to identification of individuals. Halo project ONHT and the Landscape Connections Trust have signed an MOU. Its aims are to create a safer environment for birds flying out the Ecosanctuary, and for resident fauna adjacent to the Ecosanctuary, and to reduce the risk of pest animal incursion into the Ecosanctuary. The Landscape Connections Trust ran a trapping workshop at the Ecosanctuary and two other locations in August. Visitor Centre and Visitors Visitors Visitors into the Ecosanctuary had reasonable numbers for the shoulder season, when visitation to the Ecosanctuary always drops. Good weather during Mother s Day and the Queen s Birthday weekend saw many visitors to the Ecosanctuary, which was also pleasing. So plenty of people have been enjoying the many experiences that the Ecosanctuary has to offer. A select few paid for 'meet a kiwi' experiences associated with the arrival of young Haast tokoeka in the kiwi creche. These experiences were positive for all. 8

9 Health and Safety The Ecosanctuary was closed for six days, and the Visitor Centre for four and half days, due to ice and snow in early August. We have since ordered a snow plough, thanks to a $1,200 donation from former Trustee Alyth Grant, to clean snow from the car park and tracks so that they thaw more quickly. Safety barriers have also been built around track edges of some ponds. Tracks Public walking tracks came through winter well and are in good condition. Nature play area We are very grateful to have received support for our nature play area from the Lion Foundation, the Community Trust of Otago, Rigs for Kids, the Bendigo Valley Charitable Trust and the Dunedin Amenities Society. Earthworks (mostly post hole digging for the fence) will start soon. Artists have commenced a couple of the interactive sculptures and we re seeking a little more funding for some of the components. Volunteers In July 980 hours were contributed by volunteers. Special thanks are due to our operational volunteers during winter, when cold wet weather and short days can make volunteer work more challenging. A volunteer s event was held at Filadelfios on June 12, the highlight being sponsor Jonathon Usher s magic show. Fifty-five volunteers attended and had a great time. New Sponsor profile AWF supply temp and permanent staff to various businesses large and small. AWF, a well known company publicly listed on the NZX, has been in business for 27 years, with the Dunedin branch having operated for 12 years. Branch manager, Ken Schumacher, says Orokonui was a good fit locally for our support as we are proud of our region, heritage and what Otago has to offer. The 3 members of AWF s Dunedin team; Ken Schumacher, Lynette Clarke and Steve Chester 9

10 Recognition We didn t win the Biodiversity Category of the Green Ribbon awards, but being a finalist was a significant achievement. Also in the news, our Visitor Centre s appearance in an architectural exhibition at the Venice Biennale, one of three buildings included in the Sustainable Buildings section of the New Zealand Pavilion. Upcoming Events Sunday September 11 at 10.30am Valley of the Giants Tour. Discover the pūkeko, paradise shelducks and spoonbills as you walk around Orokonui Estuary. Sidle along the Orokonui stream to the Ecosanctuary s lower gate to meet your knowledgeable and friendly guide. Enjoy a beautiful grove of tree ferns and be wowed by giant eucalypts including New Zealand s tallest tree! Possibly see delightful robin and takahe as they re fed. Then explore the beautiful Ecosanctuary and its rare wildlife at your leisure or return to the DOC car park. Meet: 10.30am DOC car park (Orokonui Rd) Duration: 1.5hrs return Cost: $28 per adult Pay by phone or at reception. Bookings essential. Sunday September 11 at 2pm. Presentation "Mongolia: a nation without fences" John Bartlett. Cost bank note donation. No bookings required. For other news and activities visit or facebook. Cafe and Visitor Centre are open daily except for Dec 24 and 25. We warmly welcome the following new members: Individual Jo Monks Rene Nol Sadie Andrews Family Helen & Max Farr Janet Downs & Lesley Hirst Robert Chadwick Jamiee Foster Jen Shelton Christoph & Caroline Matthaei Alex Harold Errol Nye Kerry Henderson & Joanna Budai Naomi Wadsworth Gemma & Shaun Campbell Edwin Van Broekhoven O Neill Family Vicki Gordon Athena Robinson-Browne M & D Kitchingman 10

11 Thank you to our sponsors Marie and Graeme Bennett Alexander McMillan Trust Dunedin City Council Caversham Foundation Department of Conservation Community Funds Ministry of Education Otago Daily Times Otago Community Trust Otago Regional Council Hope and Sons Cooke Howlison Oceana Gold MTF Harry J Wilson Trust Blackhead Quarries Ltd Dunedin Forest and Bird Naylor Love Ltd Callis Charitable Trust The Rotary Club of Dunedin Ironmaster Trust Topflite Rotary South Power Farming Otago Sargood Bequest Shacklock Charitable Trust Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki NHNZ Farra Engineering Crowe Horwath Ryman Healthcare Mitre 10 Mega AWF Lion Foundation John Swan Gallaway Cook Allan COGS Speights Environment Fund Otago Masonic Charitable Trust Bendigo Valley Trust Ecosanctuary contact details: Street address: 600 Blueskin Rd, Waitati, Dunedin info@orokonui.nz Telephone: (03)