They are also the species that spend a lot of time on the forest floor and, because the cameras are low to the ground, are detected most consistently. These species are known to be vulnerable to predation and we therefore expect their populations to recover when predators are removed. We looked at three species- kea, kakaruai/South Island robin, and ngirungiru/South Island tomtit. When we compare the proportion of cameras that detect birds, at the same sites, over time, we can get an indication of the relative size of these populations. Although trail cameras are primarily used to detect predators, they also detect native birds that happen to pass by.

Here, we investigated our camera network to see if there was any difference in native bird recovery between areas that had been treated multiple times and areas that only received the initial elimination treatment. There is plenty of scientific evidence that native bird populations do better when predators are controlled (see references, below). We sometimes get asked if this use of localised aerial treatments is slowing the recovery of native birds present in the Perth River Valley site. Keep an eye out for updates here, and on the Te Manahuna Aoraki Project website, Facebook and Instagram. Over the next year, we will work to expand the alpine predator elimination in the Malte Brun Range, and turn our attention to eliminating other key threats to native species.

This is an exciting time for ZIP, and we are thrilled by the opportunity to take on new skills, experience and pest elimination challenges across this diverse and spectacular landscape. The area is home to an extraordinary range of native birds, plants, reptiles and invertebrates – from New Zealand’s rarest wading bird, the kakī, to the endangered robust grasshopper. The 310,000 hectare project area includes mountain ranges, dryland tussock grasslands, Lake Pūkaki, Lake Takapō/Tekapo and the extensive braided river systems that feed them. The project launched in 2018, with the vision to protect and revitalise the upper Mackenzie Basin and Aoraki Mount Cook National Park so native animals and plants can thrive. Te Manahuna Aoraki Project is a partnership between mana whenua, the Department of Conservation, NEXT Foundation, Toitū te Whenua Land Information New Zealand, high country landowners, and other philanthropists and government agencies. We are excited to welcome Adriana Theobald, Chloe Underwood, Doug Rands, Jolene O’Connor, Julia Gibson, Simone Smits, Tom Smits, and Geoff ‘Woody’ Woodhouse to ZIP. This is a significant milestone for all of our team, but especially for our newest members who have joined us from previous roles with our partner, the Department of Conservation (DOC). From Friday 1 July, the Te Manahuna Aoraki Project Board engaged ZIP to lead the development and implementation components of Te Manahuna Aoraki Project.

Millions now living will never die zip