Comment permalink

Kaka mystery ... Research is being undertaken to clarify where endangered endemic parrots like this kaka (right), pictured at the Orokonui Ecosanctuary, go when they leave the ecosanctuary.

The nationally vulnerable endemic parrot was first reintroduced to the fenced ecosanctuary in 2008 and although some pairs have since bred, many of the kaka often leave and use the surrounding habitat.

A $20,000 in Government Curious Minds grant means researchers from Otago Science Into Action, a partnership co-ordinated by the Otago Museum and involving the University of Otago, Otago Polytechnic, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu and the New Zealand International Science Festival, will now try to discover where the kaka are going.

They would investigate how to make them safer and how to empower the community to be involved in kaka restoration, Otago Participatory Science Platform (PSP) co-ordinator Dr Claire Concannon said.

Another project, which has gained a $19,928 grant, seeks to raise awareness and understanding about red-billed gulls.

They have been designated an endangered species because of the steady decline of numbers at their biggest breeding colonies.

The Otago Peninsula Trust and the Royal Albatross Centre would collaborate with schools and communities along the Otago coast to gather data, including on where they nested, to help inform management plans, Dr Concannon said.

New Zealand Marine Studies Centre director Sally Carson has also gained $19,935, to develop Shark Spy 2, an extension of a community shark awareness-raising and observation project begun last year.

The extended project will involve new communities and schools in North and South Otago, and will make use of boat trips using baited remote underwater videos.

john.gibb@odt.co.nz