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Tiny Bird's Big Comeback: 29 to 618 Birds Saved
16 Oct
Summary
- Kakerori population grew from 29 in 1989 to at least 618 in 2022.
- Consistent rat baiting over decades was crucial for the bird's survival.
- Bird counting involves banding, mist nets, and dedicated volunteer efforts.
The kākerōri, or Rarotonga flycatcher, has experienced a dramatic population resurgence, climbing from a precarious 29 birds in 1989 to at least 618 by 2022. This remarkable recovery is a testament to sustained conservation efforts, primarily focused on eradicating invasive ship rats.
Introduced predators, especially ship rats, were identified in 1994 as a major threat to the kākerōri's breeding success. The implementation of widespread rat baiting, which began in 1989 in the Takitumu Conservation Area, proved highly effective. This consistent effort over decades has protected nests and reduced adult bird deaths.
Monitoring the population involves challenging fieldwork, including mist netting birds for colored leg banding. This banding allows for more accurate and efficient population counts. The most recent census, conducted in August and September 2022 due to COVID-19 delays, revealed a minimum of 612 birds, a 28 percent increase since 2017.
While the growth rate is approximately 5.1 percent annually, conservationists emphasize the need for continued vigilance. The 2022 minimum count was revised to 618 birds after a 2023 banding trip. The sighting of young birds outside traditional areas suggests the main forest zone may be reaching capacity, highlighting the ongoing need for monitoring every three years.
