Kākā Making a Comeback in Mahurangi West

Our June quarterly bird count is now underway. These surveys help us track changes in bird populations across Mahurangi West.

Photograph from Department of Conservation website

One encouraging story to emerge from the bird counts has been the return of the Kākā. During the first two years of surveys, there were no reports of Kākā in the area. They then began appearing occasionally, and now feature in virtually every quarterly report. Many of you may have seen or heard these distinctive native parrots. Even more exciting, kākā successfully raised chicks in the Bullock Track area last summer.

Kākā are particularly vulnerable to predators such as rats, stoats and possums, especially when nesting. Possums also eat the same kind of food as Kākā, most significantly, high energy food types such as endemic mistletoe and Rātā. The growing presence of Kākā in Mahurangi West is a strong sign that sustained pest control is helping create a safer environment for native wildlife. It is a wonderful reminder that our collective efforts are making a real difference.

To read more on the Kākā visit https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/birds/birds-a-z/kaka/