WMIL has been contracted by the Department of Conservation (DOC) since 2012 to carry out tarapirohe/black-fronted tern monitoring work.
This work studies the population trends and breeding success of tarapirohe on five of Marlborough and Canterbury’s braided rivers. Continuous measures such as predator control, island enhancements, weed control, and chick shelter placements have been integrated to help maximise the success of this nationally endangered species.
Population dispersal and recruitment is tracked through adult and chick banding during the season. WMIL also carries out kāhu/Australasian harrier banding within the Waiau Toa/Clarence River to observe trends in predation behaviour on tarapirohe nests.
Location
Waitaha / Canterbury
Waiau Toa/Clarence River and Waiau Uwha River
Duration
2017-Present
Project Lead
Baylee Connor-McClean
