Growth

6 September 2007

The New Zealand falcon is the only remaining endemic diurnal bird of prey in New Zealand, and is currently at high risk of extinction in the wild. Approximately only 3000 birds remain in New Zealand, with the highest known densities of falcon in the Kaingaroa forest. Studies also suggest that falcon are present in relatively high numbers in other plantation forests.

The environment created by plantation forests is perfect for New Zealand falcon. The habitat created by cutover provides ample hunting area, prey species, and because of pest control, there are few predators. Falcon tend to nest in small cavities or scratches on the ground, and cutover areas in plantation forests provide considerable nesting sites.

To better understand falcon habitat, Kaingaroa Timberlands, Carter Holt Harvey Forests and New Zealand Forest Managers supported a PhD study on falcon in plantation forests. This has reinforced the need for pest control and led to the development of best practice guides for operations at nesting time when falcon are most vulnerable. To date, the results have been very encouraging. The number of falcon nests in the Kaingaroa forest has increased from 20 in 2003 – 2004, to 40 in 2005 – 2006.

New Zealand falcon are not the only species that live in plantation forests. North Island brown kiwi, long-tailed bat, weka and kerereu are all known to reside in plantation forests.