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5-3 Survey
An initial assessment of the distribution and abundance of Rainbow Lorikeet has been achieved through public sightings and local Knowledge. These records require confirmation. A systematic survey of the identified areas and adjacent habitat should be carried out. The survey should be initiated as soon as possible and then continue to run parallel with the
catching programme as identification of key recovery sites are made. New sightings should be followed up and added to the database records,
A standard survey form is to be filled in for each specific location visited. Site visits will vary from 1 day to repeated visits for larger areas. Staff will be trained in recognition of Rainbow Lorikeet calls and identification. We suggest that a core group of 10 people are trained and rostered in teams of two. Department of Conservation, Auckland Regional Council and Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry officers could contribute on an average of 1 day per team per week basis. Volunteer ornithologists have offered assistance where applicable.
Costs of Survey:
| Training of learn members/Volunteers (3hrs @ $15/hr} | $ 45 |
| Survey team (estimate 1500hrs @ $ 15/hr) | 22,500 |
| Vehicle transport costs (in house) | NIL |
| SubTotal $22,545 |
5.4 Recovery Techniques
The following techniques are a range of options that may be utilised at any one site. The character of the site and birds1 behaviour will determine the best approach to take at each location- The chosen technique will aim to minimised the 'cost' per bird recovered at each. site. Techniques 5.4,1 and 5,4.2 can be used as a catch technique followed by either Transfer to captivity or euthanasia as required. Whereas techniques 5.4,3-and 5.4.4 are direct control techniques.
5.4,1: Trapping
Birds will be pre-fed into the site prior to the trap being introduced. The cage is then introduced to the site in an "open" site and food gradually moved inside the structure, A daily feeding regime at the same time of day and same people should be established. Gradual addition of the door and lowering will then proceed as birds habituate to the cage- Any changes to the cage should be rnade when birds are absent from the site. It is expected to cake between 10-14 days depending on the reaction of the birds and history at the site. At some sites residents may be able to assist with tasks of feeding which will reduce the staff input.
When the maximum number of birds are present in [he trap, the door will be closed and the entire trap removed from the site for processing. If birds are flighty or reluctant to enter the trap site then a "Judas" bird scenario should be considered to improve success.
Trap construction (one off cost): (Requirement 4 additional traps)
| Trap materials: wire (1 roll @ $125 ) | $ 125 |
| imber ($l.43/metre) | 100 |
| metal sheet door | 100 |
| Construction per trap (4 x 32hs @ $15 /hr) | 1,920 |