Forest and Bird Approves J.S. Watson Grants

Forest and Bird, Issue 299, 1 February 2001, Page 8

Forest and Bird Approves J.S. Watson Grants

general manager,

Forest and Bird.

— Lyn Bates,

unding for four exciting new projects has been approved by the Forest and Bird administration committee for the J.S. Watson Conservation Trust. Since its establishment in 1986, the Trust has played an intrinsic part in facilitating conservation projects beneficial to New Zealand’s endangered plants and wildlife. Funding recipients for 20002001 are: ¢ John Perrot, Palmerston North, will be investigating the effect of Aspergillus fungi on hihi (stitchbirds) inhabiting Mokoia and Little Barrier Islands. Aspergillosis, contracted through inhaling large amounts of the fungal spores, is a threat to birds and mammals worldwide. This project will include soil sampling, to analyse the ecological effects of increased temperature and decreased moisture, in the disturbed forest soils of the birds’ environment. ® Nicholas Ling of Waikato University, Hamilton, will be publishing a comprehensive guide to New Zealand mudfish. These freshwater fish are under threat from excessive wetland drainage. The guide is an attempt to increase public awareness of the importance of

wetland management in the conservation of the mudfish and wetland ecosystems. ¢ The Little Windy Hill Company Limited of Great Barrier Island, will continue to implement its pest management strategy to minimise the ecological impact of pests such as rats, feral cats, pigs and goats on the island (see feature page 44, this issue). To date, the project has been effective in culling these pests, along with the elimination of several types of weed. The funding will go towards further pest control and monitoring of success in increasing bird populations. © Michael Pearson of the University of Auckland, will be investigating whether certain viruses are responsible for the decline in growth and distribution of Sycios australis (the New Zealand cucumber, or mawhai). His project will use "ELISA methodology and electron microscopy to compare the virus status of both mainland and offshore island populations of the plant. This will include susceptibility of Sycios seedlings to a variety of viruses well established in New Zealand’s flora.