Returning Species

It is an increasingly common experience in the Ecosanctuary to spot native creatures that are arriving or coming out of hiding, almost as if the word has got out that the place is safer! Putangitangi (Paradise ducks) and their chicks have found their way to the new wetlands, while some native skinks and geckos have been spotted at last. We expect the populations of native birds and reptiles that were already in the sanctuary to continue to build up in numbers with the reduction in predator pressure.

Our dedicated volunteer bird survey teams keep an eye on developments. A new project in nearby Waitati and Purakaunui, encourages the local residents to look for changes in the numbers and species of birds visiting their gardens.

At Orokonui we are very lucky already to have healthy populations of some of the native birds that are less commonly seen in and around cities, including South Island sub-secies of piropiro (tomtit), pipipi (brown creeper) and titpounamu (rifleman - New Zealand’s smallest bird). In addition 11 species of native fish have been recorded inthe Orokonui stream, an unusual abundance or New Zealand’s streams and rivers, where introduced trout and salmon have greatly reduced the numbers of our native freshwater species.
Image courtesy of Dave Curtis

South Island kaka were released into our cloud forest in November 2008 and have settled in well.  Jewelled gecko and the tieke (South Island saddleback) were releasd 2009.  In 2010 we have re-introdunced the toutouwai (South Island robin).  Our staff and volunteers are constantly working towards reintroductions of other threatened New Zealand species.