New Zealand Journal of Zoology abstracts

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Using artificial nests to explore predation by introduced predators inhabiting alpine areas in New Zealand

Des H. V. Smith^*

Department of Zoology, University of Otago
PO Box 56
Dunedin 9054, New Zealand

Deborah J. Wilson

Landcare Research
Private Bag 1930
Dunedin 9054, New Zealand

Henrik Moller

Centre for the Study of Agriculture, Food and Environment
University of Otago
PO Box 56
Dunedin 9054, New Zealand

Elaine C. Murphy

Department of Conservation
Research, Development and Improvement Division
PO Box 13049
Christchurch 8141, New Zealand

^*Author for corrrespondence: Centre for Conservation Research, Calgary Zoo, Calgary, Alberta T2E 7V6, Canada. dess@calgaryzoo.ab.ca

Abstract    Many bird species endemic to alpine New Zealand are now at critically low densities and restricted in range, making predator-prey research difficult. We used artificial nests in the Borland Valley, Fiordland National Park, to investigate (1) which introduced species is the most frequent nest predator in the two habitats, (2) whether nest survival differs between habitats, and (3) the utility of artificial nests for guiding conservation management. We used different types of artificial nest in 2 different years and undertook a calibration study of the two types. In 2003, survival of artificial nests containing wax eggs and chicken eggs was high in both habitats. In 2004, survival of artificial nests containing plastilina eggs and chicken eggs was low in both habitats, but was higher in alpine grassland compared with beech forest. Stoats and possums were the most frequent predators (36 and 22% respectively of artificial plastilina nests in alpine grassland and high-altitude beech forest combined); these percentages did not vary significantly between habitats. Given the low density and sparse distribution of vulnerable species in much of New Zealand, data from artificial nests can be a useful tool for studying predation in these remote and difficult habitats, or at least, preferable to ignorance. However, the type of artificial nest used can strongly affect the rate at which they are destroyed.

Keywords    alpine grassland; possum; predation; rodent; stoat

Z08005; Online publication date 9 May 2008; Received 26 January 2008; accepted 15 February 2008

New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 2008, Vol. 35: 119–128
0301–4223/08/3502–119 © The Royal Society of New Zealand 2008

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