Critically endangered shore plovers released on offshore refuge

Matthew Tso15:54, Feb 07 2020

As the shoreline comes into focus from the cabin of the Charmaine Karol I can see green bush cascading downwards from a straw-coloured tabletop to meet the beach. 

It is entirely appropriate that a tiny symphony has been playing John Williams' magnificent theme from Jurassic Park inside my head on our approach to Mana Island.

Like the movie's fictional Isla Nubar, Mana is a man-made glimpse into the past. This becomes apparent as soon as I disembark.

A few steps from the boat I stop to adjust my grip on a camera bag I've carried ashore when I  look down to see an inky black skink wriggle out from between the rocks beneath my boot. "Must be more careful," I think.

We are here to witness the arrival of 18 critically endangered shore plovers, and are met by Department of Conservation staff and a party from Ngati Toa who perform a waiata to welcome the birds ashore.

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Critically Endangered plover enjoys record breeding season

09/02/2019

Four young Shore Dotterel have been released on Motupatu Island at New Zealand's Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre.

The species is Critically Endangered, with some 250 birds estimated to be left in the world. The centre is hoping to release more juveniles in the coming weeks, with 21 set to enter the wild on 25 March – combined with the four birds already released, this accounts for roughly 10 per cent of the global population.

Shore Dotterel – also known as Shore Plover – is endemic to New Zealand, and the recent releases provide a boost for one of the world's rarest shorebirds. The success comes following six juveniles from five pairs being released on Waikawa Island last year. All of the breeding projects fall under the work of The Shore Plover Recovery Programme, which began at Pūkaha in the early 1980s.

Mireille Hicks, Lead Shore Plover Ranger at Pūkaha, said: "This season has been very full-on. Together with the Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust this would be our most successful year yet; between us we have so far raised 46 Shore Plover chicks – and there are more on the way! We have seven breeding pairs in total, two of which are breeding in their first season, which was incredible.

"We also have a breeding pair that was very unexpected, as the male had an injured wing and the female had an issue with her feathers. Due to these injuries they could not be released into the wild but by breeding in captivity they are actually contributing to the survival of their species.

"Shore Plover is a very special bird because it's naturally very curious, but it nests on the ground and is very small – it almost 'shakes hands' with predators! They are also very nervous birds and can be easily frightened away from their nests. Many people do not know about how critical the situation is, which is something we'd like to change. Each bird is precious."

Source

Release of rare shore birds lifts hope

6 Feb, 2019 5:30am

Four rare shore birds endemic to New Zealand were released yesterday on pest-free Motutapu Island in the Hauraki Gulf after a successful breeding programme produced an abundance of chicks. The juvenile shore plover or tuturuatu are one of the world's rarest shore birds, with just 250 remaining. A small, curious animal, the shore plover nests on the ground and is easily disturbed, which makes them vulnerable in the wild.

The Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre near Masterton and the Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust outside Christchurch have had a bumper year breeding plover chicks. Pūkaha ranger Mireille Hicks said between them they had raised 46 chicks. Hicks said the 30-year-old recovery programme hoped to lift the bird's survival chances.

"Many people do not know about how critical the situation is which ... we'd like to change".

The plover captive breeding programme uses five pest-free islands. Since the first release on Motutapu the little birds have been seen in the wider Auckland area, raising hopes for the plover's prospects.

Source

Rare Tūturuatu washes up in Hawke’s Bay

Tuesday, 21 November 2017, 12:09 pm
Press Release: Department of Conservation

17 November, 2017

Rare Tūturuatu washes up in Hawke’s Bay

One of New Zealand’s rarest animals the tūturuatu or shore plover is now even closer to extinction after one was found dead in Westshore this past week.

The bird – named Obow after her leg bands - was found by a member of the public - all the way from her Waikawa Island home off the tip of the Mahia Peninsula.

At times these birds like to visit the shores and rivers of the greater Hawke’s Bay area.

After Obow was handed over to Department of Conservation staff, she was sent to Massey University where an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death.

Read on  

Boost for decimated rare bird

By Harrison Christian

5:20 PM Monday Mar 9, 2015

A rare New Zealand bird has received a boost in Hawke's Bay, after a single rat is believed to have ravaged population numbers.

The dwindling population of the endangered New Zealand shore plover in northern Hawke's Bay saw a surge in numbers last Friday, with the release of 20 juvenile birds on to Waikawa - also known as Portland Island.

Department of Conservation (DoC) ranger Helen Jonas said the privately-owned island located off the Mahia Peninsula used to be home to 80 shore plover but a "devastating season" in 2013 saw their numbers reduced to just 10 birds.

"All the evidence pointed to a single rat as the cause, and the rat is now believed to have since died."

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