Rarer than kiwi: Wingspan celebrates 29 years of monitoring karearea

Karearea (NZ falcon) breeding season is well under way. Photo / Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust

Karearea, or New Zealand falcon, is a threatened endemic species and with a population estimate of 10,000 in the wild their numbers are even rarer than kiwi.

Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre in Rotorua knows more about the rare bird than most, this week celebrating 29 years of monitoring karearea.

The charitable trust and raptor conservation programme monitors karearea within the Kaingaroa Forest estate of the central North Island

It is one of the longest-running annual monitoring of a threatened species in the country. It is important work when the falcons are the bioindicators of a healthy ecosystem.

Wingspan, with the support of Timberlands as key estate managers, was the first to research, report and publish about falcons living and nesting within pine forests, and attention has now spread throughout New Zealand.

A media release from Wingspan said forestry management suited falcons.

"The rotation and mosaic of different aged stands, along with cut overs left after harvesting mature trees, promote amazing biodiversity, including small birds which attracts and provide ample food for falcons," the release said.

Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre in Rotorua is celebrating 29 years of monitoring karearea (NZ falcon). Photo / Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust

Wingspan executive director Debbie Stewart said: "I feel so honoured to have been part of the research group at Wingspan."

"We've discovered that the highest densities of falcons now thrive in pine forests and working with forest owners like Timberlands we've developed protocols around harvest operations to work together on nesting falcons.

"These have now been accepted within the forest industry nationwide. An excellent example of commercial and conservation interests complementing one another."

At this time of year, the breeding season is well under way. Young falcon chicks are fledglings and some breeding pairs have completed a second clutch.

Wingspan manager Heidi Stook (left) and trustee Noel Hyde with male New Zealand falcon chick Ruud, named after Wingspan patron Ruud Kleinpaste. Photo / Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust

This week Wingspan staff were again in the field and banded another seven young falcons. All falcons are tagged with a small metal band for individual identification. Some that are part of a study group, are given a colour band too, as easy visual identification.

Likely the most famous pine forest falcon in New Zealand is Hatupatu. He has been residing in another pine forest managed by Timberlands within Whakarewarewa Forest.

Hatupatu, one of seven falcons released since 2013 from the rooftop of the Rotorua Museum, has nested each year and fathered a total of 13 chicks, all with a little help from his sponsors, friends, volunteers, mountain bikers, dog walkers, and photographers.

Hatupatu is the oldest known wild male falcon at 7 years of age.

Stewart said the concept behind the first-ever city release of a threatened species was all about wildlife engagement for everyone.

"Bringing birds of prey into our everyday lives, to appreciate them, have empathy for them, and celebrate the spectacular and wonderful biodiversity we have in New Zealand."