Volunteer fieldwork assistants for New Zealand Kiwi bird protection project

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Community conservation project in New Zealand requires volunteer field assistants for various project activities.

About the project

The project has established a safe haven for the protection of Kiwi birds and other endemic wildlife in the Coromandel region of New Zealand's North Island. This is a locally administered project by the rural community, and run by experts in practical conservation ecology.

About the Kiwi bird (Apteryx spp.)

The Kiwi bird is an endemic and endangered national icon of New Zealand. Agents of decline include introduced mammalian predators such as stoats (Mustela erminea), ferrets (Mustela putorius) and wild cats (Felis catus). These kill Kiwi chicks before they reach maturity. Survival rates of chicks in non-managed ecosystems is typically less than 5%.

Three species of introduced rat are also an issue for Kiwi (Rattus exulans, R. norvegicus, R. rattus). Rats deplete the birds' food source, lengthening the time for chicks to reach maturity, and therefore increasing the exposure time to predation. Rats are also a food source for stoats - many rats lead to many stoats, and a corresponding increase in Kiwi chick predation.

About the placements

The placements ideally suit volunteers who have an interest in the outdoors and enjoy back-country forest trails and being off the marked track ("bush bashing" as it is known in New Zealand). A good level of fitness is required. Activities undertaken include pest control (checking traps and bait lines), building and distributing trap boxes, revegetation work (tree planting and weed removal), monitoring bird populations ("call counts"), and building and maintaining tracks and trails. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age, understand spoken and written English, have no major health conditions that would affect their participation, and be willing to participate whatever the weather (rain or shine).

Candidates are required to cover the costs of their travel, travel insurance, and a nominal fee for placement costs. A commitment of at least one week is required, although longer placements (up to six weeks) are welcome. Start dates are flexible.

Full details about the project and fees can be found at:
https://www.nature.org.nz/projects/new-zealand/kiwi-bird/

Application process

Candidates can submit an online application (at no cost) or can make contact for further information at:
https://www.nature.org.nz

Review of applications are completed within 2 days unless further information is required.