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Shock loss of endangered plovers
Saturday, February 09, 2013
THE critically endangered New Zealand shore plover population on Waikawa (Portland Island) has been dealt a harsh blow.

Shore plover numbers on the island off Mahia have tumbled to a quarter of what they were, with only 20 birds remaining, says Department of Conservation team leader Helen Jonas. The total world population is only about 200 birds.

“This has a huge impact on the viability of the species,” says Ms Jonas.

The privately-owned island has been a safe sanctuary to the plover for the past 13 years.

Numbers had built up to the point where the population was contributing eggs to other predator-free islands. But this season’s planned egg translocation turned into a rescue attempt.

“We didn’t know what the issue was and unfortunately we still don’t,” Ms Jonas says.

“It could have been disease, predation by gulls or hawks, mustelid, rat, cat or even a dog that has come over with a visitor to the island.”

As a precaution, 12 shore plover eggs were removed and taken to Mount Bruce Pukaha in Wairarapa and Isaac’s Wildlife Centre in Christchurch for incubation. The juveniles will be released on Mana Island next month.

“We are throwing everything we can at the island to ensure this does not happen again,” Ms Jonas says. “We’ve undertaken disease screening, and sent dead birds over for autopsy and DNA testing. We have had specialised stoat-tracking and rat-tracking dogs, and have put cameras in place. Nothing has turned up so far.”

The remaining birds on Waikawa, including the sole fledged chick from this season, are now being protected by more regular pest monitoring and control efforts by Onenui Station owners.

It is hoped that the island will be safe for shore plover again soon, Ms Jonas says.

The remaining shore plover on the island appear stable and are still nesting and producing chicks. Visitors to the island are reminded to check their loads to ensure they haven’t got any unwanted travellers with them.
CRITICALLY ENDANGERED: One of only about 200 New Zealand shore plovers . . . Conservationists were shocked this summer to discover three-quarters of what had been considered a safe and stable population of shore plovers on Portland Island had disappeared. A major effort is under way to try to discover what happened. Picture supplied
Joe Waikari of DoC, Motu with stoat dog Tiki. Picture supplied
A shore plover chick. Picture supplied
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