Update to BWEG June 2015 on Braided River related programmes

Transcription

1 Update to BWEG June 2015 on Braided River related programmes Clarence River Braided River Regional Initiative (BRRI) This winter a five-year programme to trap predators of black-fronted terns begins at three breeding colonies beside the upper Clarence River. Of 303 black-fronted tern-tarapiroe nests monitored last spring only 18 chicks survived. Hedgehogs, ferrets and ship rats, wild cats and a stoat were filmed raiding 63 nests and eating eggs. Terns are fierce defenders of their nests during the daytime dive bombing any intruder; however at night they are very vulnerable to introduced mammalian predators. Above black-fronted adult and chick and predators filmed in Upper Ashburton during monitoring by Phil Cochrane, ECan. 1

2 The programme also involves clearing broom and willows from islands where terns like to breed, removing habitat for predator (e.g. cover, food). This programme complements a weed control programme in the Clarence funded by the zone committee. Media release here: Black-billed gull habitat management In spite of being among the most threatened of New Zealand birds little is known of the current numbers or population trends of black-billed gull (Larus bulleri) which is crucial for management decisions. It is classified as Threatened-Nationally Critical, the same classification as kakapo (Strigops habroptilus). The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) considers black-billed gull to be the most threatened of the world s 50 recognised gull species, and lists it as Endangered. 2

3 In Canterbury, insufficient surveys have been undertaken on nationally important Rivers such as the Rakaia, Waimakariri, and Hurunui to analyse population trends with confidence or to understand colony locations and movements. To help address this lack of information for management two projects have been launched one to survey the breeding colonies in Canterbury and the other to better understand their movements and breeding behaviour. The final draft report of the survey work has been received and approved by Environment Canterbury. A media release will be out soon to highlight the plight of these special birds, using the Ashburton River colony as the focus of the story. The movement study will begin this spring in collaboration with DOC and the University of Otago. Above: The results of one of the repeat flights used to calibrate the counts of all rivers. (Source Rachel McClellan, Wildlands) BRFS Regional Committee IMS funds The upper Rangitata and Rakaia catchments are critically important breeding habitat for threatened braided river birds in addition to being catchments of outstanding natural character. Weed invasion by broom and other weeds threatens these special habitats. The Regional Committee s Braided Flagship Programme (BRFS) is contributing to ongoing weed control in these catchments alongside the local landcare groups, DOC, LINZ, the zone committees and district councils (all contributing funding and/or time). The funding has provided a major boost to the efforts in both catchments and has filling in some gaps where no funding was available. It also allowed for a strategic plan to be developed for the upper Rakaia catchment. 3

4 Above map from the Rakaia weed control strategy developed from the BRFS funds. The control work for this season is completed. A final report and maps will be provided by DOC in the next few weeks. Feedback indicates that the programme has been much appreciated by the landcare group members and significant progress made. The programme has encounter some challenges including changes in DOC staff (4 in 4 years), competition for contractors at the peak demand times and unsuitable weather resulting in control being delayed in some instances, increasing health and safety requirements and processes, and planting of Russell lupin in the upper Rakaia as a forage crop. Environment Canterbury is currently working with NZ Merino as they are developing a protocol document for farmers around planting of lupin for forage. A major positive change has been the new partnership between LINZ and Boffa-Miskel allowing for much more flexible and innovative ways of working in biosecurity on LINZ managed land. The Braided River Flagship Programme strategy and priorities were developed with stakeholders almost 5 years ago. I would recommend a meeting with stakeholders to provide an update and update/ confirm the strategy for future years sometime in the next 12 months. A copy of the current strategy is available here: 4

5 Above broom and gorse invading braided river bed in upper Rakaia reducing braided river health and habitat for braided river natives 5

6 Appendix The Clarence predator control programme is jointly funded by the BRRI and Kaikoura Zone Committee in collaboration with the Department of Conservation. The funding breakdown for the 5-year programme: Kaikoura Zone Committee $90,000, Environment Canterbury Braided River Regional Initiatives $184,500, and DOC $240,500. Braided Rivers are a natural place for collaboration between communities, regional councils and DOC. Regional Councils are responsible for water management, the beds of rivers, regional biosecurity, and have some responsibilities for biodiversity and habitat on non Crown land; the Department of Conservation is responsible for native species and public conservation land 1. The BEWG provided input to the funding priorities via its representatives on the focus group. 1 Biodiversity: Roles and Functions of Regional Councils, Gerald Willis, November