Karure/Kakaruia/Chatham Island black robin publications

Introduction

Chatham Island black robin is a critically threatened species only occurring on the Chatham Islands. They have recovered from only 5 birds remaining in 1980 to over 300 today, however the species is still close to extinction and further management is needed. The following reports consider future management options.

A structured decision-making approach for recovery of the karure / kakaruia / Chatham Island black robin (Petroica traversi)

This report describes the structured decision-making process used to identify the best management options for black robin recovery.

Summary

To help the black robin recover, we used a collaborative step-by-step process to set goals and choose the best strategies.

Representatives from the Hokotehi Moriori Trust, Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri Trust, the Chatham and Pitt Island communities, and the Department of Conservation were all involved in this process.

The best approaches identified include:

  • better monitoring
  • restoring habitats
  • boosting the black robin population on Maung’Re / Mangere Island
  • moving black robin to new locations on Chatham and Pitt Islands
  • strengthening the connection between the Chatham Islands community and the black robins.

A structured decision-making approach for recovery of the karure / kakaruia / Chatham Island black robin (PDF, 4,871K)

An assessment of sites for ecological restoration and karure / kakaruia / Chatham Island black robin (Petroica traversi) reintroduction on Rēkohu / Wharekauri / Chatham Island and Rangihaute / Rangiauria / Pitt Island

This report evaluates potential sites on Chatham Island and Pitt Island for ecological restoration and black robin reintroduction.

Summary

We identified that the best options for black robin recovery included new sites for ecological restoration and black robin reintroduction on Chatham Island and Pitt Island. This report provides an assessment of six sites.

Experts recommended:

  • Big Bush on Chatham Island
  • Caravan Bush on Pitt Island.

If legal access to Big Bush cannot be secured, then Pat Smith’s / Plum Tree and / or Chudleigh Conservation Area should be restored for black robin reintroduction on Chatham Island.

An assessment of sites for ecological restoration and karure / kakaruia / Chatham Island black robin reintroduction on Rēkohu / Wharekauri / Chatham Island and Rangihaute / Rangiauria / Pitt Island (PDF, 3,542K)