Arthur’s Pass Roroa Recovery Project

In 2005, the number of great spotted kiwi/roroa near the pass was estimated at just 16. But the tide is turning...

The Arthur’s Pass Community Roroa Recovery Project is a community initiated and managed stoat trapping programme to protect Great Spotted Kiwi ("GSK"). The stoat trapping and possum poisoning are also likely to have some beneficial effects for the general ecosystem in the Bealey Valley. The traps run the length of the Bealey Valley (13km) and are managed and maintained by local residents and bach-holders.

In 2008 five pairs of GSK had radio transmitters attached to them and they and their offspring are being monitored for breeding success and juvenile recruitment, as well as learning about GSK habits which are largely unknown. The number of monitored pairs has now been doubled to ten and the project hopes to bring the remaining 2-4 currently unmonitored pairs in to the study over the next year. The study is expected to last about three years and hopes to show that the trapping is protecting the young kiwi enough for the population to be self-sustaining, probably requiring about 1 in 5 chicks surviving.

Over the past year it has become clear that it is possible to locate GSK nests and monitor chicks successfully. The one monitored chick this season has survived an impressive 5 months so far, is doing well, and the project is now ready to effectively monitor an increased sample size. This is the only project in the country (or world!) studying the survival of young GSK from an early age in their natural habitat.

As well as answering questions about the local GSK population and its survival, the information will be useful for GSK management overall. The whole (small) community is very interested in the project and many locals have taken the opportunity to assist with hands-on kiwi work and meet the birds they hear from their homes.

To date the project has primarily been funded by the Bank of New Zealand Save the Kiwi Trust (a contestable annual fund), and public donations. The project works closely with DOC who are very supportive (non-financial) of the project. Donations and funding from non-BNZSKT sources are invaluable to the group to fill funding gaps and meet unexpected expenses.

For more information on this project please visit the Arthur’s Pass Roroa Recovery Project webpage.