Hollyford and Kaipo Audio Monitoring

2024-08-05

I have been away since the 23rd June in the Hollyford and the Kaipo for the Hollyford Conservation Trust

In addition to the usual trap checking, the idea was to make a start on some audio monitoring. Kiwi may be reintroduced to the Hollyford but first we need to be sure they are not already there in a remnant population somewhere.

I recently recorded some healthy Kiwi duets in the Bowen Valley, which suggests they may be present in the Pembroke Wilderness Area at least.

I did some big stoat lines in the May Hills and Sara Hills, deploying some acoustic recorders on the way. While not all the data has made it back yet, all data looked at so far is empty of kiwi.

In the process I found a few areas that are in need of further investigation. Residual Kiwi populations up and down the South Island have been discovered in areas that at first sight may seem marginal, but support very low predator numbers.

After surviving a big blow on Lake McKerrow, we moved to Upper Kaipo Hut to cut a track each side of the river for a future stoat line. I was on triangles, and again, audio monitoring. No kiwi were found where recording was done, but future high probability spots were scoped out.

There is a very busy Whio population on the upper Kaipo, including my favourite spot 'The Duck Pond'.

I returned to Te Anau hungry and tired. Conservation is hard yakka.

Thanks Lindsay for a great trip to a long time favourite place, and for the opportunity to explore so many new parts.