Whirinaki kokako are one in 100

The first kokako chicks to hatch in the Whirinaki Forest in 100 years have just left the nest and are finding their feet in their new home.
Twenty kokako were transferred from Te Urewera National Park to Whirinaki Forest Park last year, with the final group moved in September being a highlight of celebrations to mark 25 years’ protection of Whirinaki.
Department of Conservation threatened species ranger Sarah King said it is always a risk attempting to start new populations.
“However four pairs have already set up territories within the park and three of these are nesting - this is a very positive start,” she said.
Within the Whirinaki is a 1000ha core area of intensive pest control that has been in place since 2003, during this time the bird life in this area has increased beyond expectations, kaka, kakariki, robins, whiteheads, bellbirds and tui are all being protected.
The forest is being restored by taking out the introduced pests and it is due to this success that kokako could be returned.
The Whirinaki translocation, supported by research chemical providers BDG Synthesis, is just the latest chapter in the North Island kokako conservation success story.
Over the past few years kokako numbers have risen from 1400 to over 1700 due to several populations throughout the North Island being protected by intensive control of their main predators; rats, possums and stoats, all of which enjoy a kokako omelette or finger lickin’ chicks if they find a nest.
“Now that populations are increasing it is possible to take some of these birds and start to re-populate areas where kokako used to sing,” Ms King said.
“They are not yet out of the woods but they have a much better chance of survival now that so many are being protected from predation.”