Battle for the Banded Rail - Trapping
PROJECT CONTACT PERSON Tracey Murray
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PROJECT BACKGROUND
Over the years the Banded Rail's habitat has been lost due to horticulture, housing development, modification of the estuary margins with road, walking and cycle track developments. Pests (mustelids and rats) and domestic pets have also had an impact and the numbers of these shy birds have reduced dramatically. They are now classed by Department of Conservation as at risk/ declining.
AIM OF PROJECT
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The project aims to increase the numbers of Banded Rail and other shy margin dwelling birds on the margins of Waimea Inlet.
The only areas in the South Island where Banded Rail can be found are in Nelson and Marlborough. The distribution of Banded Rail in the Nelson area was assessed in 1980 and then again in Dec 1982. (Graeme Elliot; Notornis 36: (1989)). Banded Rails and Marsh Crakes were found in Nelson/Tasman in the areas shown in this map. We hope to restore vegetation and control of pests so that there will be an increase in bird numbers and the return to those areas in which they previously were found. READ MORE ... |
Distribution of the Banded Rail 1982
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PROJECT ACTIVITIES
The project will support local communities to take effective action to increase the area of safe habitat by:
1. Restoring selected areas of the estuary margin
The project will identify suitable areas in which the vegetation sequence of salt-marsh/rushes and scrub can be re-established, and work with land owners to restore the estuary margin with appropriate eco-sourced species.
2. Protecting the birds by trapping predators.
There has been extensive trapping done in selected areas around the Waimea Inlet over recent years to reduce the number of predators of Banded Rail and other birds. The project will coordinate with the current trapping initiatives of members of the Ornithological Society, local conservation groups and private landowners to increase the area around the estuary being trapped and the number of people working regularly and effectively to monitor the traps.
1. Restoring selected areas of the estuary margin
The project will identify suitable areas in which the vegetation sequence of salt-marsh/rushes and scrub can be re-established, and work with land owners to restore the estuary margin with appropriate eco-sourced species.
2. Protecting the birds by trapping predators.
There has been extensive trapping done in selected areas around the Waimea Inlet over recent years to reduce the number of predators of Banded Rail and other birds. The project will coordinate with the current trapping initiatives of members of the Ornithological Society, local conservation groups and private landowners to increase the area around the estuary being trapped and the number of people working regularly and effectively to monitor the traps.