The North Island k?kako (Callaeas wilsoni) is an endangered forest bird which is endemic to the North Island of New Zealand. It is grey in colour, with a small black mask. It has blue wattles (although this colour develops with age: in the young of this bird they are actually coloured a light pink). Because of its wattle, the bird is sometimes locally called the blue-wattled crow, although it is not a corvid.
Video North Island k?kako
Threats and conservation
In the early 1900s the North Island k?kako was common in forests throughout the North Island and its offshore islands. Primary causes of k?kako decline were forest clearance by settlers and the introduction of predators such as rats, stoats and possums.
Unlike many of New Zealand's most vulnerable birds, k?kako survive in low numbers in several North Island native forests. However, research has shown that female k?kako are particularly at risk of predation as they carry out all incubation and brooding throughout a prolonged (50-day) nesting period. Years of such predation have resulted in populations that are predominantly male and with consequent low productivity rates.
Government-funded pest control programmes, and captive breeding programmes are critical to helping maintain population numbers on the mainland. A "research by management" approach has demonstrated that the k?kako decline can be reversed and populations maintained in mainland forests by innovative management of their habitat. Current research aims to increase management efficiency to ensure long-term k?kako survival. The use of biodegradable 1080 poison has been particularly beneficial in reversing population decline. For example, between 1991 and 1999 the breeding population of k?kako increased tenfold in Mapara Wildlife Reserve (Waikato) thanks to a series of four aerial 1080 operations. A population of k?kako has also been re-established at the Otanewainuku Forest in the Bay of Plenty.
New populations are also being established through releases on predator-free offshore islands. As a result, conservationists are hopeful of the species' long-term survival.
Maps North Island k?kako
Distribution
As at 2010, North Island k?kako were present in Pureora Forest Park, Whirinaki Te Pua-a-T?ne Conservation Park, Mapara Wildlife Reserve, the Hunua Ranges, Ngapukeriki, Kaharoa Forest, the Te Urewera National Park, Puketi Forest, the Waitakere Ranges and the Waima/Waipoua Forests of Northland. K?kako can be seen relatively easily on a number of publicly accessible offshore island sanctuaries, including Tiritiri Matangi and Kapiti Island where the regenerating forest is low enough to provide close views. Captive birds can be seen at Mount Bruce Wildlife Centre and Otorohanga Kiwi House.
References
External links
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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