Conservation – Citizen conservation pays dividends

Our region is home to some of New Zealand’s most treasured wildlife, and the presence of kiwi in our bush is a direct reflection of the dedication of volunteers and landowners in protecting native species. Kiwi are more than a national icon – they are an indicator species, meaning that their success signals a thriving environment for other native birds, including bellbirds, tūī, tomtits, grey warblers, fantails and more. Where consistent predator control is in place, bird populations flourish.

We all have a role to play in conservation. Responsible dog ownership, supporting predator control initiatives, and participating in bird surveys are simple yet impactful ways to ensure our unique wildlife thrives for generations to come.

Each year, as the evenings turn crisp, dedicated volunteers head into the bush after dark to take part in the Kiwi Listening Survey. Sitting quietly in selected locations for two hours, they count kiwi calls, noting their direction, distance and whether they are from males or females. If pairs are heard calling in duet, it suggests they are successfully breeding.

Year after year, this survey helps paint a detailed picture of kiwi populations – are they moving into new areas and are call numbers increasing? If predator and dog control efforts are working, call counts should rise, providing clear proof that conservation efforts are making a real difference.

Beyond manual kiwi listening, the Piroa Conservation Trust (PCT) has advanced its monitoring methods. Now in its third year, automated call recording devices capture kiwi vocalisations at 10 sites across the Piroa Brynderwyn ranges, gathering data from dusk until dawn. These recordings allow researchers to track trends with greater accuracy, supporting long-term conservation efforts.

Each November, volunteers and landowners contribute to the 5-Minute Bird Count (5MBC), a survey tracking the health of native bird populations. Covering designated sites along 10-location transects, observers record visual and audible sightings of species such as kererū, tūī, fantails, kākā, kingfishers, tomtits, grey warblers and bellbirds. This data helps PCT monitor changes in bird populations over time, offering valuable insights into conservation effectiveness. Again, if populations are growing, it means our ongoing predator control efforts are working.

Local bittern monitoring is led by Alex from The Shorebirds Trust, who will provide further insights in a future column on how the community can get involved.

As most of us are well aware, the Tara Iti (fairy tern) remain under close watch as one of our most critically endangered indigenous breeding birds. With a population of fewer than 40 individuals, including about nine breeding pairs, the species is in urgent need of protection.

Every bird species has a role in our delicate ecosystem. By supporting conservation efforts, volunteering for surveys, and helping with predator control, we can make a lasting difference in safeguarding our special place and its remarkable wildlife.

If you are keen to get involved email us on info@piroaconservation.org.nz