December 2015 - Orokonui Ecosanctuary

Newsletter Number 63
September-November 2015
Kōanga - spring
We have had the typical highs and lows of Ecosanctuary life through spring. First, the
confirmed demise of tieke (saddleback). And the gnawing uncertainty as to whether we still
had a stoat. But then Paku and Quammen raised a takahe chick, the first born in Dunedin for
a VERY long time. That was a ray of sunshine. And when Prince Charles and Camilla chose to
visit us in early November, the Ecosanctuary became a destination for swarms of police and
other dignitaries, but Ecosanctuary supporters and those of other conservation organisations
were warmed by an encouraging speech from the Prince of Wales. He said he hoped we
would still be here in the future so that his mokopuna (grandchildren) could also see the
wonderful creatures that he had seen that day. Then, well you will have heard of the lows
and highs of the stoat that was finally caught, and if not, read further.
From the Trust
November was a roller-coaster ride emotionally. After weeks of meticulous planning and
preparation, Prince Charles and Camilla Duchess of Cornwall became our first royal visitors.
They spent an hour at Orokonui, saw tuatara (with a bumble bee sideshow), Otago skinks,
native frogs, rare plants and numerous birds, the entourage followed by a large media
contingent. Prince Charles’ conservation-themed speech back in the visitor centre paid tribute
to New Zealand’s efforts, including our work at Orokonui, to protect threatened wildlife.
Conservation Minister Maggie Barry joined us for the afternoon – her second visit this year.
She is a strong supporter of our vision. Their Royal Highnesses signed a visitor’s book for us so
we have a nice souvenir of the visit. Huge thanks to the volunteers who chipped in on the
day. Royal guides Elton Smith and Sue Hensley excelled under pressure. For Elton, though, the
pressure was just starting because that same day we had a stoat dog checking out Orokonui
and it found a stoat den deep under a totara tree! It was a relief next day to learn the mother
stoat and one of her kits had been killed in a Fenn trap. The rest of the brood, too young,
would not have survived. The drama underscored the fact we cannot rest on our royal laurels.
Predators hammer at our fence daily and we must always keep our guard up. Protective
measures in the future, besides new-era traps and lures, may include a stoat-detection dog
and more trail cameras.
Neville Peat, ONHT Chair.
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Ecosanctuary Report
2015 has been an extraordinary year for Orokonui with many developments, highs and lows.
On the biodiversity conservation front, highs have been the establishment of a kiwi crèche,
the hatching of the takahe chick and the preparation for a green skink translocation. Lows
were of course the detection of a stoat and the demise of the saddleback population. Each
though has developed new skills and knowledge and greater resilience of the project. We are
fortunate in having a highly competent Conservation manager in Elton Smith.
The welcome of new staff added new skills to the Orokonui team; Jill McFarlane as financial
administrator, Samantha Williamson on customer service, new casual staff for the education
and café teams and a new part time ranger, Wiremu Bretton. Sharee Watts has a new role as
Visitor Centre manager and rangers Kelly Gough and Geoff Clarke have had changes of roles
with Matt Thomson having moved on. Such a great team makes my job a pleasure!
New volunteers have joined the volunteer team and the hours they contribute to the project
remain strong. We are highly appreciative of volunteers who very reliably pitch in when there
is extra work to do such as building the kiwi crèche fence or preparing for the royal visit.
Those several key volunteers who lead and support teams of volunteers are especially valued
by Orokonui.
The education programme has grown considerably under Tahu Mackenzie’s leadership with
participation 70% over target for the year to date. The programme’s extensive outreach work
has also grown through a portable laboratory ‘lab-in-a-box’ which Tahu helped others
develop.
Visitor numbers have grown a little and we’ve put effort this year to cater for the growth. We
have doubled our car park space, increased our café kitchen workspace and renewed our
walking track signage. Signage is now colour coded by track standard, some names changed
to better reflect what wildlife is seen on the tracks, distances noted rather than times, and
one long track has been divided into three names for easier management especially in times
of emergencies.
To make sure wildlife, staff, volunteers and visitors stay safe we continue to put a lot of effort
into our health and safety processes and documentation. The predicted hot, dry summer, for
example, means our fire plans must be highly effective.
Thanks to the skills of café manager, Simon Kitchingman, the café has made many positive
changes and we are delighted that it is now contributing to our biodiversity conservation
costs as do proceeds from our gift shop and venue hire.
Our marketing manager, Kerry Buchan, is good at determining best value spend for our
relatively small marketing budget. Our new entrance signage has attracted more passers-by,
our Qualmark accreditation has endorsed the quality of the experience we provide to visitors
and we have developed a new-look, more user-friendly and smart phone friendly website.
Even the visit of the royals helps to put us on the map!
We are grateful to the Department of Conservation Community Funds for their ongoing
support. With those funds, continuing sponsorship and new donations my fundraising load
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has been reduced this year which has allowed me to give more attention to management and
development tasks.
We have lots of plans for 2016 but no doubt there will be some unexpected highs and lows in
the mix – bring it on!
Very best wishes for a joyful and safe holiday season
Chris Baillie
General Manager
Staff profile - Simon Kitchingham
Simon was born and raised in Dunedin. He has come to
Orokonui with 25 years hospitality experience. This has
seen him working extensively around New Zealand,
Australia and Indonesia. Upon returning to Dunedin,
Simon completed a degree in environmental management
at the university of Otago.
Having survived winter the focus for the cafe is to develop
itself as more of a destination in its own right. By doing so
the cafe will continue to establish itself as an asset for the
Ecosanctuary.
Simon has interests in Jazz, Kung fu, environmental
politics and Camellia sinensis (tea) consumption and
production.
Biodiversity News
Fauna
Tuatara
Now that warmer weather is with us, researchers from the University of Otago have begun
their spring/summer surveys for tuatara. In less than two days, and searching in a limited
area, 19 individual tuatara have been identified and several others have been heard. This is
very reassuring news following the recent stoat presence in the Ecosanctuary. With the
support of Dunedin Forest and Bird, further surveys over a wider area are planned for the
summer months. You can help by reporting any sightings of free-roaming tuatara anywhere in
the Ecosanctuary. Other signs to look for include scats (droppings) and possible nest diggings.
A "survey card" is available at reception in the visitor centre with more information on what
to look for and report. Any reports will be gratefully received and can be emailed
to zoology@otago.ac.nz for the attention of Scott Jarvie or Alison Cree.
Haast tokoeka
The juvenile Haast tokoeka in the kiwi crèche have continued to do well, apart from one
which died from a heart condition, that we could have done nothing for. The remaining Haast
tokoeka will likely depart the Ecosanctuary in December if they pass all their health checks. If
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our freedom from stoats is confirmed, it is likely that the Ecosanctuary will receive another
batch of young tokoeka for the crèche in early 2016.
Takahe
So our planned pair of breeding takahe were canned - and fair enough given they were high
value birds due to the genetic heritage. But we were given two fertile eggs for Paku to sit on,
and sit on them she duly did. We were chuffed to find that both had hatched, but one of the
young takahe must have perished soon afterward, as only one juvenile takahe was
subsequently seen. Possibly because Quammen was not used to feeding young - with two
young, both takahe parents need to feed the young birds. But he has got used to it now and
both parents are feeding a rapidly-growing takahe chick. The takahe family hid away in the
early stages, but is now being seen more regularly in open areas. The hatching and survival of
a young takahe at the Ecosanctuary is a real milestone for us. How long it has been since the
last takahe was born in coastal Otago is anyone's guess. Well done Paku!
Paku and chick
Photo: Paul Sorrell
Saddleback
A survey in early spring confirmed what we had suspected. No tieke were detected. This has
been incredibly disappointing, as it seemed we were almost at the point where the tieke
translocation may have been deemed successful. The stoat, a harsh winter, and dispersal
outside the Ecosanctuary most likely all colluded to drive the tieke population down to its
vanishing point. It is a small comfort that Orokonui is not the only site where tieke
translocations have failed. We have learned from the translocation, so if more tieke need to
find homes, then we may have another go at establishing a tieke population in the future.
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Robin
Three students from the Zoology
Department, Luke Easton, Freya Moore and
Aishwarya (Ash) Muralidhar, have recently
been assessing the Ecosanctuary robin
population, and provided the following
account and update.
Luke, Freya, and Ash after surveying part of the
Ecosanctuary for robins.
Ratbag robins!
Freya and Ash are Masters students from
the Department of Zoology, and have been
busy monitoring and researching the South
Island Robins since early October. Both
students are following on from Professor
Ian Jamieson’s (1957 - 2015) work with
regards to robin alert behaviour towards
introduced mammals and how this (along
with nest-site selection) influences their
survival inside and outside the sanctuary.
The only two other populations (in
Silverstream and Silver Peaks) continue to
be monitored by Samantha Ray and Mike
Jones. The first survey of the entire
Photo: Luke Easton
sanctuary for banded and new un-banded
birds inside the sanctuary is underway, with 27 breeding pairs (most with fledglings) found so
far, and the total robin count coming up to around 70 birds. Of the 27 pairs, 24 are new, thus
the robins are still responding well inside the sanctuary. No doubt more pairs will be found
over the coming summer.
Green skink
With a planned release of 40 green skinks (Oligosoma chloronoton) in January, some minor
habitat manipulation has begun to enable soft releases. Thanks to Carey Knox for this
initiative, and to one of our member’s who has pledged funds to assist with the translocation.
Green skink
Photo: Carey Knox
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Flora Feature
Kareao (supplejack)
(Ripogonum scandens)
What do miro, the long-lived
podocarp tree featured in our last
newsletter, and kareao, a twining
vine that is featured in this
newsletter, have in common? Both
have large, bright crimson fruit.
The adult leaves of kareao are less
well-known, because they express
themselves most in full sunlight high
in the forest canopy. These adult
leaves are bright green and glossy, in Typical strong, jointed, kareao canes in an Orokonui gully
several opposite pairs along the nontwining stems that occur in full light.
The pliant kareao canes were used
to make hīnaki (eel traps) and
crayfish pots (pouraka) by Maori.
Not to mention for house
construction, binding fences, tying
up platforms and the traditional use
of both māori and pākehā children bows for bracken fernstalk arrows.
Less helpful to those travelling
through forest are the dense tangles
of kareao canes that occur in damp
gullies in lowland environments
throughout New Zealand. The
strength of kareao canes is well
known to those whose backpacks
have caught in it!
Juvenile kareao leaves and a single kareao fruit on the Orokonui
forest floor.
Photos: Kelvin Lloyd
A second decade of bird surveys begins
Valerie Fay
Saturday the 5th of September 2015 and the start of another ten years of Bird Surveying
under the supervision of Derek Onley, our own reknowned ornithologist and artist. This
morning it is a 9am start (slightly later than most as it is usually at 8.30am). Weather reports
from a member of the team in Mosgiel reports rain. Here at Waitati the morning is looking
alright and we have enough time to complete our survey before the forecasted SW change.
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At our meeting point, the old DOC car park on Blueskin Road the team start to arrive. Today
we number eight keen volunteers, and Derek arrives armed with all the paperwork. To
celebrate the beginning of our second decade of listening for birds he has a large date scone
freshly baked that morning . Chuck is given the priviledge of cutting the scone so we can all
partake in a snack before we head off to various areas. The scone was delicious but we can
only have our second piece on completion of the task in hand.
We are all despatched to various areas. Today I am on the eastern side of Mopanui road, this
is an area which we refer to as JH. There is a slight breeze, blue sky dotted with a few clouds,
and sunshine. It is just perfect. The area has changed over the ten years with everything
growing and some of the sea views disappearing. I work my way along the line of listening
stations both observing and listening for birds. Birds within 100 metres are recorded as I look
and listen for birds over the 5 minutes at each station. I hear a robin that has flown over
Orokonui’s fence and taken up residence here; I hope he has a mate. Over the morning I hear
a few bellbirds, brown creepers, a dunnock, blackbirds, song thrushes, starlings, a tomtit and
a rosella and see silvereyes, a goldfinch and a pair of harriers circling and calling to each
other. They all get recorded.
The rain arrives just as I finish. A successful morning for all the team with all the areas
completed and back to the Visitor Centre to check in and another piece of that well earned
scone.
Chuck cuts the scone as the rest of the team look on. Photo: Claire Hagglund
Mustelid Mayhem III
We were extremely lucky to have Angela Newport and her stoat dog Mackey call in on the
Ecosanctuary in early November. On the day of the royal visit, Mackey strongly indicated an
area in the centre of the Ecosanctuary, then homed in at the base of a large Hall's totara. It
was immediately obvious that a stoat den was located beneath the tree - lots of entrances,
latrine areas, and bird feathers scattered around. Early the following day, Mackey went back
to confirm the presence of stoats, became very excited again, and his display was
corroborated by fresh stoat scat. Very depressing news for Elton and Kelly, but they
consulted various experts on the best approaches for dealing with stoat dens, and armed with
traps, audio playback gear and a shotgun, got back to the den site in the afternoon. As they
investigated the den, a mature stoat left from one entrance, and growling noises from kits
(young stoats) were emitted from the den complex as traps were dug in. The hope was that
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the female stoat would return to the kits, so three of the five obvious den entrances were
blocked off, and a series of traps set in the remaining two entrances. Two trail cameras were
also established to monitor for the returning female. Elton returned at 7pm and his joyful
reaction can only be imagined as he found the female, and one of the kits, caught in one of
the traps. The untrappable stoat, we assume, had finally met her match. She had clearly
known her den had been discovered and was in the process of moving her kits elsewhere.
The den was then sealed with the addition of traps within the den tunnels. With the den
being located beneath the large totara, it was impossible to excavate the den to extract any
remaining kits. On the following day, a check revealed no new trail camera footage, no
obvious excavations in the sealed entrances, and no traps sprung within the den. However
one kit was seen just within arms length within one entrance, and was retrieved,
unconscious. This suggests the kits were still dependent on their mother, which expert
opinion also supported. While it is highly unlikely that the kits would survive in the sealed
den without their mother, staff remain vigilant and have continued to operate traps around
the den site and undertake checks to ensure the den entrances remain sealed. No further
signs of life within the den have been observed.
The adult female and her female
kits were sent for autopsy to
firstly assess pregnancy (which
would signal a male stoat present
within the Ecosanctuary), and
secondly gain genetic evidence to
compare with the other stoats
killed during the year. The good
news is that neither of the two
recovered females were
pregnant, which suggests there
are no male stoats within the
Ecosanctuary.
Elton is also looking to train a pup
in stoat detection, and this is
supported by the Conservation
Dog programme.
The female stoat, caught in the first of a line of Fenn traps
installed in one of the den entrances.
Photo: Elton Smith
Trail cameras are an important pest monitoring tool. We would like to purchase 10. They are
$700 each. If anyone is able to sponsor one please give Chris Baillie a call – 482 1755.
Donations for these are tax deductible.
We’re also looking for a sponsor for an electric chainsaw for our woody weed control work.
These avoid noise and air pollution and are kinder to staff. If you have one or a spare $1500
please phone Chris!
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Mice
A recent tracking tunnel pulse revealed a small pocket of mice within the Ecosanctuary, and
seven mice have subsequently been trapped in this area.
Staff
A farewell function for the departing Matt Thomson was held, and he has handed over his
duties: Kelly Gough has become our volunteer coordinator, and Geoff Clarke has had his
hours increased and is now responsible for equipment and vehicle maintenance. Wiremu
Bretton has been employed on a casual basis as a ranger.
Visitors
The royal visit on 5 November
went very smoothly. The staff
and volunteers excelled in their
various roles in preparing for
the event, and the sanctuary
looked wonderful. Thanks to
Neville Peat for his
considerable work on this. It is
sure to improve our
international recognition.
Volunteers
Over 1100 volunteer hours were donated to the Ecosanctuary in October, ongoing testimony
of the community support we are so grateful for.
Tracks
Tracks are receiving their usual maintenance and are all in good condition. The new walking
track signage has been installed. Thanks to volunteer, Allan Kilner, for championing this
project.
Facilities and infrastructure
As any recent visitors to the Ecosanctuary will have seen, we have completed double-siding of
the carpark, which included filling of the ditch on the Blueskin Road side and installing a visual
barrier on the visitor centre side. This has improved the car parking capacity, and further
expansion options will be looked into.
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Do you lack transport to the Ecosanctuary?
We are aware that we have loyal members who cannot easily get out to visit the
Ecosanctuary because they have no means of transport. We are sure we can find volunteers
who would be willing to provide the transport. But first we need to know who might be glad
of the opportunity. If that is you, please contact Alyth Grant (470 1142), who will do her best
to match people up for a visit during the summer months. A call has already gone out to our
band of volunteers, but other members who would like to help out in this way are also invited
to contact Alyth.
For other news and activities visit www.orokonui.org.nz or facebook. We are open daily
except for 24 and 25 December.
We warmly welcome the following new members:
Individual
Elizabeth Jenkins
Rob Sherriff
Yoann & Sandrine Feillet
Naomi Pelet
Sophie Fern
Julie Harrington
Riley Baker
Margaret Thomson
Craig McKenzie
Juliet Meldrum
Family
Richard Stevens
Tonia Calverley
Tobias Danielmeier & Julia Albrecht
Bruce Collier
Maurice Matich
Yusuf Cakmak
Laurel Lanner & John Steel
Ami Nukada
Idoya Munn
Stefanie & Tobias Langlotz
Lucy Atkinson & Jeremy Whittam
Douglas Calder
Vivienne Heward
H Aitchison & P Lowden
Gordon & Pauline Bootten
Borley Family
Life
Mrs Carol Matheson
Archie Smith
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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
Ironmaster Trust
Topflite
Rotary South
Power Farming Otago
Sargood Bequest
Shacklock Charitable Trust
Blackhead Quarries Ltd
Dunedin Forest and Bird
Naylor Love Ltd
Callis Charitable Trust
The Rotary Club of Dunedin
NHNZ
Farra Engineering
Crowe Horwath
Ryman Healthcare
Mitre 10 Mega
John Swan
Gallaway Cook Allan
COGS
James Sharon Watson Trust
Speights Environment Fund
Attention members for whom we don’t have an email address:
Because of the time and expense of posting information to members, or trying to make
contact by phone, in between newsletters, we only email invitations to special events. If you
don’t have an email address you can keep up to date with what’s happening through our
website or by phoning the office.
Ecosanctuary contact details:
Street address: 600 Blueskin Rd, Waitati, Dunedin
email: info@orokonui.org.nz
Telephone: (03) 482 1755
www.orokonui.org.nz
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