Nesting points to return of the robin

An rare native bird species has showed encouraging signs of reestablishing in Taranaki after last being sighted in the region 112 years ago.

The North Island robin, or toutouwai, was presumed extinct in the region after 1905.

But after the release of 50 birds in April, conservationists have found evidence of them breeding on Mt Taranaki.

Three pairs of toutouwai with chicks have been discovered nesting, Taranaki Mounga project manager Sean Zieltjes said.

The robins, relocated from Pureora Forest Park, are the first species to be re-introduced to the area by the environmental project, a $24 million scheme aimed at eradicating pests and restoring wildlife.

‘‘We are ecstatic the robins have stayed and are breeding,’’ Zieltjes said.

‘‘It’s a testament to the exceptional work of the team and it’s great to get this early win and we will keep cracking on with our goal to build large and resilient bird populations.’’

Conservation biologist Nic Gorman said the pairs had established a cluster which would encourage more robins to the protected block.

‘‘My gut feeling is now these birds are there, it will be an anchor so if there are more translocations the birds will stick,’’ he said.

Gorman worked with volunteers from Rotokare Scenic Reserve Trust, Shell NZ and Department of Conservation staff to locate the robins and feed mealworms to monitor initial survival after the release in April.

Local environmentalist Hoani Eriwata, of Te Atiawa¯ iwi, who helped translocate and monitor the birds said the birds would thrive on Mt Taranaki.

‘‘Life has a way to adapt and the mounga (Mt Taranaki) is an area of birth and survival,’’ Eriwata said.

He said volunteers were needed to help monitor and locate fledglings in February next year.