Back to table of contents
Supporting Scientific Research
The sanctuary is a living laboratory. Being so close to two top universities, it is the perfect site for scientific research.
Scientific research
- Research into the ecology of the freshwater ecosystem has been undertaken by a number of students (see references) and research in collaboration with University of Waikato, Massey University, NIWA, Cawthron Institute and the Department of Conservation is ongoing.
- Invertebrate pitfall traps have been established in close association with the vegetation plots to monitor changes in diversity, size and abundance of ground-dwelling invertebrates since the eradication operation in 1999. Several student research projects have focussed on specific invertebrate groups resident in the valley such as spiders, Lepidoptera, ants and weta (see references).
- Giant weta were first released here in 2007 and the use of transmitters as part of a joint Landcare/Karori Sanctuary Trust study has provided new information about the survival and dispersal of these large bodied animals. Transfers and monitoring are ongoing.
- The release of Maud Island frogs in 2007 was undertaken as part of a MSc study that looked at the feasibility of establishing this species on the mainland where mice and a range of potential native predators are present. Monitoring is ongoing and an annual survey undertaken to locate and remove any babies for release into a safe holding pen. Regular updates are provided to the native frog Recovery Group as required.
- Reptile pitfall traps have been established in order to monitor changes in diversity, size and abundance of resident skinks. Surveys have been undertaken to obtain baseline information about the distribution of resident geckos, and trials undertaken to develop an artificial cover that would be attractive to geckos and useful as a monitoring tool. Student projects have also investigated reptiles living in the sanctuary
- Tuatara were first released here in 2005 as an experiment to determine what was the best release strategy and what effect mice would have on them. This was studied by a MSc and subsequent surveys have been undertaken to look at survival, dispersal and breeding (see references). Regular updates are provided to the tuatara Recovery group as required.
- Quarterly five-minute bird counts have been undertaken by members of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand before and after the construction of the fence to monitor changes in diversity and abundance. These are to be repeated at regular intervals
- All transfers of birds to the Sanctuary for the first time have been undertaken with an experimental component if feasible, and there have been a number of student projects that have investigated aspects of these releases (see references). Each species has been monitored after release to determine survival, dispersal and breeding success and some are still subject to intense monitoring because there have been issues identified with survival and recruitment (hih/stitchbird and bellbirds). The Trust participates in the annual hihi Recovery Group meetings and provides regular updates as required. The dispersal of released species outside the sanctuary fence is of particular interest and our website encourages locals to report sightings. Records have been received from well beyond the Trust's sphere of interest and these are forwarded on to the appropriate organisation for their records.
Professional partnerships
- The Trust has a close working relationship with Victoria University, collaborating in the establishment of a MSc course in Ecological Restoration in 2006, and in ongoing research by undergraduates and graduates. The University's Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Research) sits on the Trust board. Collaboration with other tertiary institutes and research agencies is also very important.
- The Trust regularly hosts interns, students, staff from Department of Conservation and volunteers involved with different restoration projects to provide them with appropriate training and experience.
- Staff have been involved in many workshops organised by the Department of Conservation and Landcare Research as well as conferences and workshops overseas, to provide advice on restoration actions, bird banding etc.
>>> Next - Lessons Learned >>>