Bird population trends in response to predator management at Waitutu Forest, Fiordland: 2006–2022
New Zealand’s native birds are particularly vulnerable to predation from introduced mammals, especially rodents and mustelids. The prolific seeding of trees during mast years triggers rodent irruptions, and the subsequent increase in mustelids can have devastating effects on native bird populations. Waitutu Forest, in Fiordland, New Zealand, has experienced declines in many of its bird populations and has been subject to pest management since 2008 to reverse these trends. A monitoring programme was established to determine the success of this management.