Takahe¯ eggs found in Kahurangi

Less than a year after takahe¯ were first released into Kahurangi National Park, three eggs have been discovered in a nest in the tussock.

Department of Conservation takahe¯ senior ranger Glen Greaves was the first to come across the nest in Gouland Downs, near the Heaphy Track, during a recent monitoring visit.

Greaves said he did ‘‘a little dance and pumped his fist’’ when he saw the eggs.

‘‘It’s a massive deal – it’s the first wild population outside Fiordland for centuries, and we didn’t know for certain the site would be suitable, so getting this positive news is a huge lift for the programme.’’

The translocation of 18 birds to the Kahurangi in

March was the first attempt at establishing a wild takahe¯ population outside the Murchison Mountains in Fiordland. A further 12 birds were transported to Gouland Downs in May.

Greaves said the nest belonged to a trio, and the eggs had been laid by females Te Uatorikiriki and Pipper.

‘‘We know from experience they can successfully incubate three eggs.’’

Greaves said other takahe¯ had been observed undertaking nesting activity, and the eggs were a good indication the birds were doing well in the new environment.

He said translocation could be quite unsettling for birds, and there had been evidence of fighting between males over females and territory, which was normal behaviour.

Greaves said it was too early to say whether the eggs were fertile, but if they were, they were expected to hatch in early to midDecember. Takahe¯ breeding season generally starts in October, and Greaves said there was still plenty of time for others to settle down and attempt to nest this year.