Birds
Currently our bird research includes a long–term project on the population dynamics of Antarctic Adélie penguins (likely to provide early indications of the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems); understanding the factors affecting the distribution and numbers of bellbirds in urban and heavily managed lowland rural areas (complements similar previous research on kererū, and also tūī, bellbirds and kererū in the Waikato); and understanding the impacts of pests and environmental factors on seabird populations and island biodiversity.
Other related research focuses on reducing and managing threats to native birds from introduced pests (possums, stoats, ferrets, etc.)..Past research covers work on mainland islands (kōkako and kiwi) and the impact of magpies on native bird populations.
Research
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Adélie penguin dynamics
Looking at the distribution, abundance and breeding behaviour of Adélie penguins in the Ross Sea region of Antarctica. -
Bellbirds/Korimako in Canterbury
Landcare Research at Lincoln, in association with Christchurch City Council and Canterbury University, is conducting studies on the distribution and habitat needs of bellbirds (korimako) in and around Christchurch, and throughout Mid– to North Canterbury. We hope that this information will contribute to improvements in their habitat, range and survival. -
Bird population monitoring
Landcare Research, in collaboration with members of the Ornithological Society, Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society, Royal Society, Department of Conservation, and various city and regional councils, is establishing a garden bird survey to monitor the distribution and population trends of common garden birds in New Zealand. -
Rats and seabirds research (RASP)
Initiated in 2003, this project is using 20 islands in northern New Zealand as outdoor laboratories to investigate effects of alien organisms on ecosystems. -
Restoration and sustainability of petrel populations
The Oi (Grey–faced petrel, Pterodroma macroptera gouldi) is a taonga for both the Hauraki and Ngāti Awa communities, and is considered a keystone species to the ecosystems on the Ruamāhua (Aldermen) Islands and Moutohora (Whale Island). Scientific and mātauranga (traditional knowledge) analyses will advance understanding of what factors drive changes and long–term trends in Oi populations on these islands.