The decline of North Island Weka ( Gallirallus australis greyi ) at Parekura Bay, Bay of Islands | Notornis and Birds New Zealand

[摘要] The North Island Weka (Gallirallus australis greyi) population at Parekura Bay was monitored in 1991-95, during a long dry El Nino event. Adult Weka had declined from ~400, in February 1987 (Beauchamp 1988), to 47-63 Weka in Parekura Bay and Whangamumu areas in June 1991. By March 1995 there were only three Weka left there. Enhanced production of young Weka was insufficient to prevent decline. Known mortality factors were road kills, Timms traps and dogs and stoats. Throughout the study the population lacked females. A "crowing call" by males was identified as associated with mate loss and mate finding.

[学科分类] 动物科学

[关键词] decline;Gallirallus australis greyi;North Island Weka