Endangered saddleback return to NZ's south
15 Apr 2009
After a 100-year absence, one of New Zealand’s nationally endangered bird species - the South Island tieke or saddleback - is returning to live on the South Island mainland.
A founding population of 40 birds will be released tomorrow (16.04.09) at a celebration event in the Orokonui Ecosanctuary near Dunedin.
The project is a collaboration between the University of Otago’s zoology department, the ecosanctuary, local Māori iwi (tribal group) and Central Otago winemakers Peregrine Wines.
South Island tieke
The South Island tieke is classified as ‘nationally endangered’ according to the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) threat classification system.
Before transferring to Orokonui Ecosanctuary, tieke were extinct on the South Island mainland.
Exiled populations of tieke exist on 16 small and mostly remote islands, including Ulva Island - off Stewart Island in New Zealand’s deep south - where the Orokonui saddlebacks were sourced.
Insurance policy
The new population at Orokonui will act as an insurance policy against threats such as disease outbreaks, natural disasters, natural declines and the invasion of introduced predators.
Through guided tours and education programmes, the ecosanctuary will also provide public education and advocacy for tieke and related conservation issues.
"When people meet our precious birds and lizards in the wild they often become highly motivated to do their bit to protect them," Okoronui Ecosanctuary general manager Chris Baillie said.
Orokonui Ecosanctuary
The 307ha Orokonui Ecosanctuary is 20km north of the South Island city of Dunedin, and lies between Port Chalmers and Waitati.
One of New Zealand’s newest wildlife sanctuary projects, Orokonui is an example of a relatively new conservation tool - predator-proofed fencing around a mainland sanctuary area.
The ecosanctuary was first surrounded by a 9km fence, completed in July 2007, then subjected to an eradication programme eliminating all species likely to endanger the lives of its future protected inhabitants.
Six captive-bred kaka were released in the ecosanctuary in November 2008, and 36 jewelled geckos arrived in January 2009. Other species that the ecosanctuary hopes to re-introduce include tuatara, parakeets, robin, mohua and kiwi.
More information:
Babies mark tuataras return to wild south
Bird conservation in New Zealand
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