Petroica australis

Capturing the imminent extinction of a kakaruai/South Island robin population

The fragmentation of forested environments in Aotearoa | New Zealand has resulted in many small, geographically isolated populations that face an increased risk of extinction. However, population extinction itself, and its proximate causes, are rarely witnessed scientifically. As part of a broader study, we assessed the population status of a remnant kakaruai (South Island robin; Petroica australis) population within the Ōtepoti | Dunedin area.

The effects of beech masts and 1080 pest control on South Island robins (Petroica australis)

We assessed the effect of aerial 1080 control of possums (Trichosurus vulpecula), ship rats (Rattus rattus) and stoats (Mustela erminea) on the survival and nest success of South Island robins (Petroica australis) at Tennyson Inlet, Marlborough Sounds, from 2012–2017. Cereal baits containing 1080 were applied in 2013 when rat and stoat numbers were low, and again in 2014 after a beech mast when rat numbers were high. Survival rates of 134 banded adult South Island (SI) robins and 209 SI robin nests were monitored.