Return of the robins

Native robins are back and breeding in Auckland’s Waitakere Ranges, thanks to years of effort by Ark in the Park volunteers.
Robins – back in the Waitakere Ranges.

The fledglings are thought to be the first newly hatched robins in the area for more than 100 years.

 Their parents were transferred from Mokoia Island and have joined reintroduced whiteheads in the 1000ha protected reserve, where  bait stations and traps are reducing predator numbers.

Thanks to the control of predators such as rats, stoats, possums and ferrets, insect life is thriving in the reserve, giving the birds plenty to feast on, and a recent survey found 240 species of plants in the area.

The Forest and Bird Waitakere Branch project is partnered by the Auckland Regional Council and also received funding from the ASB Trusts. Last year $87,000 was granted to help cover  the cost of wasp and predator control, as well as costs involved in the transfer and release of hihi.

Find out more about Ark in the Park at www.arkinthepark.org.nz