Stewart Island/Rakiura - Southern NZ dotterel/pukunui recovery

Project number: 1
Location: Stewart Island/Rakiura

Dates

1-2 volunteers per trip

There may be multiple trips throughout the year 

Description

The Southern NZ Dotterel Project began in 1990 when there was an estimated population of just over 100 Southern NZ dotterel left. Numbers increased to an estimated 290 birds in 2009 but unfortunately for the past 15 years there has been a gradual decline in the population. The main reason for the decline is predation from a range of species including harrier hawks, spur-winged plovers, rats, white tailed deer and above all feral cats.

The dotterel team’s primary role is to undertake predator control in four key breeding sites on Stewart Island/Rakiura, including Rocky Mountain, Mount Rakeahua, 511 Hill and Table Hill/Tin Range, with a goal to establish a stable and healthy population of Southern NZ Dotterel and save this rare bird from the brink of extinction.

Tasks include hut and track maintenance, track cutting and checking and maintaining traps in and around the dotterel breeding sites, which may involve removing decaying pests from kill traps or dispatching live feral cats in traps. Volunteers may get the opportunity to traverse the Tin Range in search of nests, breeding pairs and identifying coloured leg bands.

What to expect

Fitness/skill level

High to very high fitness level. Volunteers will be working up to 8 hours per day in all weather conditions. The tracks up to the alpine tops take approximately 4-6 hours to walk and are mostly unmarked, very muddy, overgrown, and steep.

Volunteers must be agile and capable of climbing up hill with a heavy pack. Previous trapping experience would be useful and good hand strength is required for setting traps. Carpentry skills would also very helpful. 

Accommodation

The dotterel team have three basic huts. Each hut has a gas cooker and can sleep 2-3 people. There is running water available at two huts, and a long drop toilet at one hut. There are no showers, power, or methods for heating at any of the huts so having a warm sleeping bag with a comfort rating of 6˚C or less is essential.

Pickup/drop-off location and times

Meet at the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre, Stewart Island/Rakiura. Dates and times will be confirmed with the successful applicants. 

Contribution towards food and transport

There is no charge for this activity. However, volunteers will need to make their own travel arrangements to and from Stewart Island/Rakiura and will also need to provide their own food and accommodation in Oban. Food will be provided for volunteers while working in the field.