ROUTEBURN-DART WILDLIFE TRUST UPDATE

Nov 19, 2015

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PROJECT ROCK WREN

This initiative gets underway this summer with an extension of trapping lines into the Harris Basin and the Hollyford Face. Trapping in the Gertrude Valley has increased rock wren chick survival from 14-86% so we have high hopes for the rock wren population around the Harris Saddle. This is a great collaboration between DOC, Air NZ and RDWT.

ROUTEBURN-UPPER HOLLYFORD RESTORATION PROJECT

This is a great new proposal which will network existing traplines in the Hollyford Valley and on the Routeburn Track with vertical links down the creeks to provide comprehensive predator control. Evan Smith (MacKenzie hut warden) has been a dedicated fundraiser for many years and he has decided to join with RDWT to ensure long term sustainability. This will allow us to develop a comprehensive interpretation and fundraising programme for the whole track and fills many of the gaps in the existing trap network which can only be good news for the birds. Juvenile kaka from the Eglington Valley are feeding on the rata and fuchsia on the Hollyford Face and may well become established there.

EDUCATION

We are working with Central Otago Enviro Schools coordinator Simon Williams and Susie Geh of DOC Wakatipu to develop a biodiversity unit which could be delivered to local school children via the Enviro Schools programme. This would fulfil a core part of our vision to educate local kids about the challenges facing our birdlife. 

KIWI RESEARCH

We are working with Otago University to find a student to undertake research to see if the Routeburn would be a suitable place to reintroduce kiwi.

PATRON

Helen Clark has generously agreed to become our patron and is hopefully coming for a field trip in January.

FUNDRAISING

Christmas is coming up and rather than buying more stuff, why not think about donating to RDWT. You will soon be able to download a greetings card acknowledging your generosity.