Insects    

The insects of Kaikoura have not been studied in great depth, but they will have been heavily disrupted by human occupation on the island. The remnant habitat left on the steeper cliffs will have provided a haven for many species but others with particular requirements may no longer be on Kaikoura. It is hoped that a full survey will reveal which species remain and indicate which may have to be reintroduced from Great Barrier Island. There may be some species endemic to the outer Hauraki Gulf islands and if research can identify them, we will endeavour to provide suitable habitat in order to increase their population.
Most likely there are flightless ground beetles – a carabid Mecodema has been found on Great Barrier Island and sand scarabs are common there.

With only rats as predators on Kaikoura the insects and invertebrates there may have survived better than their counterparts on the mainland.

Lizards     
                    
Lizards are one of the striking features of the region's natural wildlife. Eleven species of skink and five gecko species inhabit Great Barrier and the surrounding islands. There is also one species of frog and possibly tuatara in the region. Many of the lizards are nocturnal and are seldom seen, but the status for several species is in no doubt. They are severely threatened by rats, cats, pigs, mice and dogs.

Motu Kaikoura has good numbers of moko skink (Oligosoma moco) which occur around the coast and along the edges of the airstrip. It is anticipated that other species will be found as the island has extensive areas of suitable habitat.

The exciting species that may be present or could be introduced in the future are:

• Chevron skink (Oligosoma Homalonotum),
• Duvaucel's gecko (Hoplodactylus duvaucelii),
• the striped skink (Oligosoma striatum),
• and the egg laying skink (Oligosoma suteri).

Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus) occur on other islands nearby and they would be a priority to (re)introduce once rats are removed from Kaikoura.

If enough suitable habitat can be created on Kaikoura the enigmatic native Hochstetter's frog (Leiopelma hochstetteri) could be encouraged to breed.

Birds

Since Motu Kaikoura was first cleared, the bird life has had a hard time of it. Fires, foreign pasture grasses, lack of food and lack of shelter all contributed to the island's impoverished bird life. Today, after 50 years of neglect, the island has restored itself to the point where there is hope for the birds. Both those that remain and those that were forced to flee to Great Barrier or beyond can now look forward to a healthier future.

As soon as pests are eradicated they can begin the slow process of re-establishing their populations and their territories.

There has not yet been a comprehensive survey of bird species but there are exciting possibilities.
The most obvious birds are the kaka (Nestor meridionalis) with their raucous screeching as they shred pine cones to get at the seeds within. The island's restoration is justified for this species alone as it is quickly obvious that this is one of New Zealand's strongholds for kaka.
The management process would ensure there are sufficient alternative food sources for kaka, before the pines are significantly reduced in numbers.

The other very important species that is already using the island for feeding is brown teal (Anas chlorotis). With New Zealand's only sustainable population being found on Great Barrier, the brown teal is in trouble and desperately needs a pest-free sanctuary. It already has a 'toe-hold' on Kaikoura, being seen dabbling around the coastline. When Motu Kaikoura is rat-free, brown teal may be encouraged ashore to breed. It has proved to be an adaptable duck in captivity, and we expect its numbers can be multiplied rapidly in a semi-captive and protected environment.

Other native species known to be on Kaikoura are:
Shining cuckoo, NZ pigeon, tui, morepork, fantail, kingfisher, pied shag, white-faced heron, and banded rail. There will undoubtedly be other species which may pass in transit to Little Barrier Island, and sea-bird species which may breed on the more remote areas.

A Dream Too Far?

We certainly don't think so.  The date is December 2010.   'Miro' is the first kokako chick to fledge in the Waitakere Ranges in 80 years, following the successful introduction of adult kokako from other management areas.  This epoch-making achievement is only because of persistent pest control by the many dedicated members of the 'Ark in the Park' team.   Predator control is well underway on Kaikoura Island too, and in years to come when the native bush has fully recoved, there's no reason to doubt the practicality of introducing a similar range of avian species as currently undergoing their renaissance in other carefully managed areas, e.g. at Tawharanui and Tiritiri Matangi.

The photograph by John Stewart shows 'Miro' being held by Robbie Havell during the attachment of leg rings.  Note the mauve colour of Miro's wattle -  it will have changed to blue by adulthood.  

Thanks to the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand.

Species List

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