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Tawharanui Open Sanctuary Society (TOSSI) continues to play a vital role in protecting endangered species with two breeding pairs of takahe presently living in the sanctuary.
TOSSI education coordinator Marguerite Vanderkolk says one pair has successfully raised a chick this season named Tawhara (meaning ‘abundant’).
“Now nine months’ old, the difference between Tawhara’s plumage and that of her parents is clearly visible, marking her growth and maturity,” she says.
Tawhara will soon head south to join the national breeding programme at Burwood Takahe Centre near Te Anau, which is part of the Takahe Recovery Programme run by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
Since takahe were first introduced to Tawharanui 10 years ago, TOSSI volunteers have contributed thousands of hours to their care.
“The birds have transmitters attached to their backs so their movements can be tracked using telemetry receivers,” Vanderkolk says.
“This monitoring is done weekly, as is providing specially produced supplementary food in feeders which the birds learn how to open.”
Collaboration has been key to these achievements with TOSSI working closely with Auckland Council and the Takahe Recovery Programme.
Similar cooperation has also supported the successful establishment of wetapunga, or giant weta, within the sanctuary.
These large, flightless insects were bred at Auckland Zoo and Butterfly Creek (a conservation hub near Auckland Airport) before being released into Tawharanui.
TOSSI’s work demonstrates how the community can make a real difference to conservation.
“Collaboration, cooperation and commitment are at the heart of these projects,” Vanderkolk says.
If you’d like to get involved with TOSSI’s many and varied volunteer conservation activities contact: secretary@tossi.org.nz
