Correlations between human-made structures, boat-pass frequency and the number of New Zealand dabchicks (Poliocephalus rufopectus) on the Rotorua Lakes, New Zealand
Negative effects of human presence and activities on breeding success and survival of many water bird species are well documented. The New Zealand dabchick (Poliocephalus rufopectus) is a protected endemic New Zealand grebe, confined to the North Island mainland and classified as vulnerable. A third of the total New Zealand dabchick population live on the lakes of the central volcanic plateau, where there is potential conflict between humans and dabchicks.