Monitoring flora & fauna
Our commitment to biodiversity
This year, the Karioi Project has stepped up its monitoring efforts, using a variety of innovative techniques to better understand and protect the regenerating biodiversity of Karioi and its surrounding landscape.
Flora Monitoring
Our team has begun employing the Foliar Browsing Index (FBI) method to monitor the density and health of the forest canopy. The fun (and challenging) part has been locating the permanently marked FBI monitoring plots that the Department of Conservation (DOC) established on the maunga years ago. These plots help us assess key plant indicator species’ growth, reproduction, and overall health over time.
This year’s data will be compared with baseline studies from 2004 and 2009 to evaluate the correlation between pest control and restoration efforts. We’re particularly interested in how pest management is influencing tree diversity, canopy density, and the resilience of native species like mistletoe.
Fauna Monitoring
Tracking introduced and native species, our monitoring is comprehensive, incorporating a range of methods:
Tracking tunnels and wax tags to assess rat and possum activity.
Motion-triggered cameras and live traps for mammalian monitoring.
5-minute bird counts to track native bird populations.
Acoustic monitoring devices to detect bats.
Regular seabird burrow visits to check on species like ōi and kororā.
Surveys using a seabird species dog to find new burrow habitat.
Active wetland bittern listening during the Great Matuku-hurepo Muster
Exciting Results So Far
Rat and Possum Numbers: After three years of maintaining a bait station network, we’re thrilled to report the lowest wax tag index results we’ve seen—less than 5% for rats (down from as high as 50%) and 6–10% for possums (down from 70% in 2022).
Seabirds: This season looks to be exceptional for seabirds, with more ōi and kororā chicks in burrows between Ngaranui and Indie’s than we’ve ever seen at this stage of the season. Fingers crossed for continued success—watch this space!
We’re still processing data from other monitoring efforts, and we look forward to sharing more insights soon.
Funding and Support
Our expanded monitoring programme has been made possible thanks to funding from the Pacific Development and Conservation Trust. We’re also grateful to other supporters like the Wells Community Fund, which has enabled us to purchase trail cameras over the years, and Waikato Regional Council (WRC) for providing acoustic recorders. Their contributions have been vital to scaling up our efforts.
As we continue this journey, we remain committed to adapting and refining our monitoring practices. These results not only guide our conservation strategies but also strengthen our dedication to helping Karioi thrive for generations to come.
