Restoring the dawn chorus in South Taranaki

Forest and Bird, Issue 294, 1 November 1999, Page 43

Restoring the dawn chorus in South Taranaki

South Taranaki

branch.

—Alison Crafar,

ncouragement from the t Collier family persuaded South Taranaki Forest and Bird to undertake pest control management in their CollierDickson Reserve, bordering the Patea River, at Lake Rotorangi. Because it is a peninsula extending into the lake, the risk of re-infestation should be minimised. The 390-hectare reserve is protected by covenant under the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust. Unused shearers’ quarters were donated and moved to high ground where they were extended to accomodate 15 people. Material and labour was contributed by South Taranaki branch. It is now a comfortable lodge for trapping, education and family weekends. Long-term care is now in its second year, under the responsibility of Rex Hartley, a recent recipient of a Taranaki Regional Council Environmental Award.

With the regular help of Allan Baikie, Ian Perrett and Noel Barrie, 400 possum carcasses have been tallied, through shooting and trapping, with approximately 300 succumbing to line bait. To begin with one could regularly shoot 50 plus a night; now three or four is a pleasing result. The consequent return of

many different species of birds is obvious. There are presently two pair of resident falcon, bellbird, pigeon, fantail, and grey warbler. Only a year ago one had to strain to hear birds. A brief walk to the lake and a quick count with Bill Messenger noted 133 plant species, 81 different observations of tree, climber and shrub, 30 different

ferns and 32 bryophytes. Goats are still a problem. The control programme continues thanks to grants from Waikato Forest and Bird, the J.S.Watson Trust, Taranaki Savings Bank, and the Lotteries Board.