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UC Research Into Predatory Attacks on NZ Falcon Nests
UC Research Into Why and Which Predators Attack NZ
Falcon Nests
May 6,
2013
University of Canterbury (UC)
researchers have found that that feral cats, stoats and
hedgehogs are likely to be the biggest threats to
ground-nesting New Zealand falcons.
The New Zealand
falcon is a nationally threatened species. Populations have
been shown to be in decline and are likely less than 4000
breeding pairs.
UC biology researcher Dr Sara Kross
says the research, supervised by Dr Ximena Nelson, is the
first confirmed indication of which predators are likely to
be an issue for falcons.
``Previous studies have
only been able to use field signs to identify predators at
failed nests which is relatively inaccurate. The data from
our research is the first to identify potential predators
using video and artificial nests,’’ Kross says.
The falcon was voted the native New Zealand bird
of the year. It can reach speeds of up to 230kmh and catch
prey mid-flight.
The UC research, seeking to help
guide the reintroduction of the birds into low-lying country
such as vineyards, was supported by Brancott Estate Wines
and Canon New Zealand. Te Papa Museum assisted Dr Kross in
identifying predator teeth marks on wax
eggs.
``Stoats and hedgehogs are likely to be the
main predators among introduced pests of falcon eggs.
Nests in the hills were attacked by predators faster than in
the vineyards. Our results indicate that vineyards hold
considerable potential for the protection and conservation
of falcons.
``These results demonstrate the
important implications of habitat type on pressure
associated with introduced predators. These may well prove a
fruitful avenue of management if breeding can be fostered in
safer vineyard areas, as in the case of this threatened
falcon.
``Nowhere is the detrimental impact of
these introduced species more apparent than in New Zealand,
where pests have been implicated in the decline of most of
the 58 native bird species that have become extinct since
the arrival of humans.
``To reduce the impact on
agricultural activities and increase the biological value of
land being utilised, we are aiming to establish a population
of falcons in the Marlborough vineyard- dominated valleys of
the country’s largest wine-growing region.
``Falcons can provide ecosystem services for
vineyards in the form of pest control and they exhibit more
attention to their nests,’’ Kross says.
The
falcon is the country’s only remaining native bird of prey
and ongoing monitoring of nests in both habitats is needed
along with controlled management to ensure falcon nests in
both habitats receive a similar and consistent amount of
predator control.
Dr Kross is programme manager
for the Marlborough Falcon Conservation Trust, a charitable
trust she co-founded during the first year of her thesis.
She has recently been awarded a postdoctoral position with
the Smith Conservation Research Fellows in the United
States.
ENDS
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