Re-introduction of yellow-crowned kakariki to Long Island (Marlborough), Mana Island (Wellington) and Motuara Island (Marlborough), New Zealand

Summary

Yellow-crowned kakariki (Cyanoramphus auriceps), a forest parakeet reduced across mainland New Zealand mostly by introduced mammalian predators, was reintroduced by the Department of Conservation to three predator-free, regenerating islands after an unsuccessful 1970 transfer to Stephens Island had disappeared quickly, likely from inadequate nesting cavities. Birds were sourced from the predator-free Chetwode Island group, mist-netted over water sources with an even sex ratio confirmed by bill measurements and, for Mana-bound birds, DNA sexing, then disease-screened, held briefly in furnished portable aviaries, and released directly into forest: 27 birds went to Long Island in 2002, 27 to Mana Island in 2004, and 45 to Motuara Island in 2007, each transfer refined using lessons from the last, in partnership with local Maori iwi and, for Mana, the community group Friends of Mana Island. On Mana, at least 12 of 26 tracked birds survived a year, and unbanded juveniles appeared within two months suggesting immediate breeding; the population has since grown to visible large flocks. On Long Island, breeding was confirmed within a year and the population reached roughly 400 birds by 2009. Motuara's population grew more slowly, and one transferred bird flew 1.5 km back to Long Island, but a small population had established there within two years. Major difficulties included handling-related stress deaths, limited monitoring access, and a small founder base of uncertain genetic consequence. The project rates Long and Mana Islands Highly Successful and Motuara Island Successful, citing rapid range expansion and strong community engagement.