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The decline of the North Island weka (Gallirallus australis greyi) in the East Cape and Opotiki Regions, North Island New Zealand

  • Publication Type

    Journal Article

  • Publication Year

    1997

  • Author(s)

    A.J. Beauchamp

  • Journal Name

    Notornis

  • Volume, Issue

    44, 1

  • Pagination

    27-35

  • Article Type

    Paper

  • DOI

    https://doi.org/10.63172/959669eavsgq

Keywords

density; distribution; Gallirallus australis greyi; North Island weka


The decline of the North Island weka (Gallirallus australis greyi) in the East Cape and Opotiki Regions, North Island New Zealand

Notornis, 44 (1), 27-35

A.J. Beauchamp (1997)

Article Type: Paper

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Densities of the North Island weka (Gallirallus australis greyi) have declined over much of the East Cape region since 1985. The area around Motu township had densities exceeding 0.72 ha-1 in 1985-86, but they disappeared by 1990 and have increased only marginally since. The decline coincided with floods and the spread of ferrets (Mustela furo) into the valley. The only region where weka density increased is in the hills between Motu and Opotiki Counts in the Toatoa and Whitikau Valleys in 1995 found a maximum density of 0.60 adult weka ha-1 in mixed farmland and fern, and between 0.08 – 0.18 ha-1 in mature forest. There are less than 1,000 adults in the centre of this region, and in some areas the population is male-dominated.