The Hutton's Shearwater Charitable Trust
The Hutton’s Shearwater Charitable Trust was formed in October 2008 to: encourage and promote the preservation, conservation, research, public education, and sustainable management of the Hutton’s shearwater. The Hutton’s shearwater is an endangered seabird endemic to Kaikoura. The only place in the world that this species breeds is high in the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges at elevations between 1200 to 1800 metres. When the Hutton’s shearwater breeding grounds were rediscovered by Trustee Geoff Harrow in 1964, there were eight colonies but only two exist now - on conservation land in the headwaters of the Kowhai River and on private land in Shearwater Stream. These colonies are under threat from pigs, stoats and other predators, and from natural hazards such as avalanches and earthquakes. If the breeding grounds had not been located in the 1960’s the Hutton's shearwater may have become extinct by now. The role of the Trust is to gain greater understanding of the ecology of the Hutton's shearwater and to ensure the survival of the mountain and Kaikoura Peninsula colonies. If there is anything you wish to suggest that should be on the site, email the administrator.
Sponsors and acknowledgmentsThis Trust cannot operate without the generosity of donors. Prior to the Trust being formed many individuals and businesses in Kaikoura and elsewhere contributed time and goods to assist in a successful Department of Conservation led translocation project whereby nearly 300 chicks were moved from the Kowhai colony to start a new colony on the Kaikoura Peninsula at a site owned by the Kaikoura Charitable Trust. Since the formation of the Trust we successfully raised funds for a predator-proof fence to be erected at the Peninsula. Since the fence was completed, we have embarked on a pest-eradication programme, built a deer fence around the site to keep stock off our expensive predator-proof fence, and started on a planting programme to improve habitat in at the site. Individuals, local, regional and national funding agencies contributed and we are extremely grateful for their help.
plus, and not least, the local businesses and many individuals and volunteers who have helped to date. |
Last updates: 19 August 2010
To help the Trust further its work, you can find information on the Friends of the Hutton's Shearwater, making donations, and buying a signed limited-edition Austen Dean's print on the Learn how you can help page.
An application form to join the Friends can be found here News and eventsPredator-proof fence Yes, the fence is in and we now have a deer fence around that to protect it from stock. More pictures in the photo gallery.
Returning birds Signs of returning birds have been seen at the Peninsula colony nest boxes since late October. Pictures in the photo gallery. Chicks released here in March 2006 and March 2007 have been found on site this summer which is positive news for the success of the project.
Pest eradication A pest eradication programme was started in May and there is little sign of any critters inside the fence now.
Planting programme
Planting the site with tussocks and shrubs to improve habitat as begun. Funding was provided by the World-Wide Fund for nature.
Research We have been developing research projects to find out where the birds feed while in New Zealand, which way they fly to the Indian Ocean for the winter (around the top of Australia?), and how the colony develops. This means more fundraising, and contributions are welcomed. Newsletter Link to Newsletter No. 2, February 2010 Link to Newsletter No. 3, May 2010
|
