The Wildlife Branch

Forest and Bird, Issue 147, 1 February 1963, Page 5

The Wildlife Branch

History and Development

The Wildlife Branch, one of the divisions of the Department of Internal Affairs, was established in 1945 by the late Sir Joseph Heenan. He considered that a special organisation should be set up to concentrate on wildlife problems in view of their increasing number and complexity. A cadet joining the Department in 1927 would have read a controversy in the Press as to whether opossums were an asset or a "pest, while a person poisoning them was liable to prosecution. Licences were needed to shoot deer, and antlers taken had to be tagged. “Something” was not right with the trout in Lake Taupo ; so if times have changed at least one problem remains. Among the letters he despatched would be very formal acknowledgements of the monthly reports from Mr. Clouston, caretaker of the Gouland Downs sanctuary. These would be avidly read, telling as they did of another world far removed from the dark recesses of the old wooden Government Buildings. In Rotorua Mr. Moorehouse, the local conservator, with a few assistants presided over the destiny of the Rotorua and Taupo fisheries. In Wellington one senior official and one clerk gave part-time attention to a variety of correspondence dealing with wildlife matters.

From the early days of settlement the Colonial Secretary’s office and then the Department had some responsibility for wildlife matters, but facts on which to base decisions were often very secondhand. At least by 1927 the Rotorua officers formed a nucleus of field staff dating from 1913, when the Department was instructed to administer the Taupo and Rotorua Lakes fisheries. Also by the 1920 s successive directors of the Dominion Museum and able zoologists such as the late Professor H. B. Kirk were giving authoritative advice.

In 1930 public pressure led to the start of deer field work. Mr. G. F. Yerex, on a shoestring budget in those depression years, organised hunting teams largely manned by highcountry workers. Thirty years later the fine traditions they established still live on in the work of officers engaged in a variety of wildlife work. Difficulties were overcome with a resourcefulness later to be typified by the New Zealand soldier overseas.

Until 1939 field work remained centred in the Rotorua district and in the rugged deer country, at once part of New Zealand’s charm and a main reason for many of our wildlife problems. The war greatly curtailed both activities but before they could be re-estab-lished the Department was instructed to form and administer the Southern Lakes Acclimatisation District. Such was the situation in late 1945 when Mr. Yerex and a handful of assistants, some recently returned from overseas, commenced" building up a Wildlife Branch.

The Animals Protection and Game Act of 1922 required replacing and a long task ended in 1953 with the passing of the Wildlife Act. Closer liaison was soon established with the Freshwater Fisheries Section of the Marine Department. This ensured that full benefit was obtained from its research into trout

problems and from technical advice and guidance available on fisheries management. The appointment in 1947 of the first biologist on the staff of the Wildlife Branch made it possible to commence this class of work in other fields. Wildlife management is not a matter of waving magic wands, one wave to kill off unwanted species and another to preserve a species for all time. It must be based on facts, their interpretation, and resultant understanding. The tangled skein of wildlife cause and effect requires patient and constant attention as it is something , dynamic, living in a constantly changing, environment. To make progress requires close coordination between scientist, field man or technician, and administrator. Close integration of this nature was, and is, the aim of the Wildlife Branch. The opossum in 1945 and 1962 is an example. This problem may still not be fully solved but those responsible base their policy on facts, interpretation, and understanding largely derived from work commenced by officers of the branch in 1946, when virtually nothing was known about the opossum in New Zealand. ' Similarly with other species as staff was appointed, e.g. grey duck and takahe, but needs have been, many and qualified staff few. Training of field staff was another essential, and the first technical trainee of 1945 now holds a senior position in the branch. There is never any difficulty in filling the four established positions for trainees. Their training has been greatly developed, and now amounts to a three-year “apprenticeship” in

wildlife and fisheries management. For older officers formal training courses commenced in 1950 and are now held in alternate years. From all this has evolved the field officer of today who, while still responsible as a ranger for law enforcement in a subdistrict, now works in other spheres, particularly that of collecting wildlife and fisheries data and that of public relations. In 1948 an advisory committee of field ornithologists was set up to give advice on the protection of rare birds. One of the first to be considered was the newly rediscovered takahe, which still figures on the agenda of the now firmly established Fauna Protection’ Advisory Council, into which the committee evolved. As well as native birds, the tuatara, our two species of bat, and three species of native frog provide various problems for examination. Back in the thirties the late Sir Joseph Heenan and Mr. John Bennett put forward an island policy as related to protected fauna. They were convinced that in the off-shore islands lay the main hope of retaining remnants of primitive New Zealand. Events have shown how correct this was. In line with this policy a wildlife survey of our very many off-shore islands commenced in 1950 and is gradually proceeding.

Banding of birds is well established as a technique to provide information required for the management of populations. Since 1949 the branch has banded grey and mallard ducks, Canada geese, black swan, and

several other game species, numbering 125,000 birds in all. There is now a regular yearly trapping and banding programme covering several thousand birds. About this time the Onithological Society also commenced banding, and the branch has always been pleased to assist the society in this useful work, which now covers a variety of birds of many species.

The aim with game birds is to so manage the population that an annual crop can be taken. This requires technical officers to apply the findings of research and led, several years ago, to the appointment of two Game Management Officers.. They are also concerned with any changes in habitat, as habitat maintained in good condition is vital for the well-being of wild-life populations. While much attention has been given to forest and mountain reservations, and while the importance of off-shore islands has been stressed, the fate of wet lands, shallow lagoons, and swamps, has only recently been highlighted. One of the urgent tasks has been to place before those persons concerned with development, the serious effects on water birds, both protected and game, which have arisen and will still further arise through widespread unrestricted land-drainage programmes. Wildlife Administration Today As two of its main functions, the Wildlife Branch has New Zealand-wide responsibility for the preservation of native birds and the conservation and management of stocks of game birds. Locally within the boundaries of their 24 individual districts, acclimatisation

societies share some measure of. this responsibility, but in the Rotorua and Southern Lakes Acclimatisation Districts the branch is the local administration and also manages the trout fisheries.

Of necessity wildlife administration is a cooperative venture as it is a fallacy to think one aspect can be dealt with to the exclusion of others. Man sets up administrative fences but these don’t keep animals in neat little compartments, and rarely is one species found only in a given area. So there is a changing pattern. The Department of Agriculture assumed control in 1953 over the importation of all animals, birds, and plants to strengthen preventive measures against the entry of pests and diseases, but the branch still acts in an advisory capacity to that department on importations of animals and birds. In 1956 control work on deer, opossums, and other grazing and browsing animals was transferred to . the New Zealand Forest Service. However, the Rabbit Destruction Council, which handles rabbit destruction through rabbit boards, now carries out some control work on wallabies and opossums, while the Animal Ecology Division of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research carries out basic research on some animals and birds, including rabbits and, more recently, deer. The Marine Department administers marine mammals such as seals, also salt-water and freshwater fisheries, except that local administration of the trout and salmon fisheries is exercised either by acclimatisation societies or the Wildlife Branch. Finally, some of the

vast areas of land controlled by the Department of Lands and Survey and the New Zealand Forest Service are the habitat of either protected fauna or problem animals and so they too have wildlife responsibilities.

The Wildlife Branch is divided into five small sections — Administration; Rotorua Acclimatisation District Southern Lakes Acclimatisation District; Research; Survey, Management, and Extension. The two districts are controlled from Rotorua and Queenstown respectively with resident field officers stationed at Whakatane, Gisborne, Wairoa, Murupara, Mangakino, Taupo, Turangi, Wanaka, and Te Anau. Also controlled from Queenstown are two field officers at Hokitika and Greymouth, who range the West Coast-and Westland Acclimatisation Districts, and an officer at Portobello, whose duties include protection and study of the notable bird life of the Otago Peninsula.

The Wildlife Act 1953 The administration of this Act is the main overall wildlife responsibility of the Department of Internal Affairs. It followed a long succession of Acts commencing in the 1860 s. The early legislation dealt exclusively with the protection of introduced animals but by 1963 most protection was given to indigenous wildlife.

The Act starts 'by listing game species, those partially protected and those unprotected. All other land mammals, birds,' reptiles, and amphibians are absolutely protected. Previously those not listed were not protected, and interesting harmless species arriving as vagrants, such as the welcome swallow (now becoming established), had to be given special protection. 7 Today, all native birds except the black shag, kea, and harrier hawk are protected wholly or partially. The tuatara, bats, and native frogs are absolutely protected. Only one introduced bird, the mute or white swan is so protected.

Prior to 1953, sanctuaries could be declared for the protection of game, but legally conditions really debarred the use of farm lands. Wildlife refuges, subject to the consent of the occupier, now take their place making provision for more than game, while farmers, by a special section, can carry on normal farming operations within the law. Other than this, entry with dog or firearm or the discharge of firearms is prohibited. There are now 180 wildlife refuges, many of them valuable areas for water birds. Applications are carefully investigated to ensure that areas will be of worthwhile value to wildlife.

There are also wildlife sanctuaries in which a wide range of restrictions can be applied or not as felt necessary. Entry by persons can be prohibited or restricted. Sanctuaries at present are Mokohinau Islands (except Burgess Island), Karewa Island, the Holt Forest near Lake Tutira, Trios Islands, and Otamatou Rock on the Kaikoura coast.

The new Act tightened up restrictions governing the shooting of game birds. It set out

clearly the functions and responsibilities of acclimatisation societies, defined classes of society expenditure, and provided where desired for representatives of farming interests to be appointed to society councils. It also incorporated the little-used provisions of the Injurious Birds Act.

When wildlife is widely protected provision is required for the taking of specimens (such as for scientific purposes) or for its control when genuine damage is being done. The new Act, while facilitating the issue of permits, gave a better measure of control over action arising therefrom. Specimens of protected birds are often found dead, either through accident or from natural causes. So that these specimens are put to the fullest scientific and educational use, provision was made for their retention by suitable public museums. At present the museums with this authority are the Dominion Museum and those at Auckland, New Plymouth, Napier, Wanganui, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill. Some bird students may, subject to

satisfactory safeguards, retain specimens of sea birds found dead. Petrels, for example, are at times washed up on west-coast beaches. Crown ownership of most wildlife was established. While their scope was widened, provisions dealing with the liberation and export of wildlife were tightened up. New offences were listed, such as attempting to bribe a ranger. All penalties were brought together in one section and maximum fines varying .from £SO to £250 were established according to the type of offence. Additional penalties relating to continuing offences and one of up to £2 per head of wildlife taken can be imposed. The court instead of the Minister was empowered to decide the forfeiture of guns, etc., after conviction. Some clarification was given on conflict of legislation, for aspects of wildlife administration impinge on other spheres of action. In several cases, such as the declaration of wildlife sanctuaries, provision was made for a joint recommendation by more than one Minister.

The enforcement provisions of the Wildlife Act were strengthened. The appointment of honorary rangers was continued and they were given additional powers as for stipendiary rangers. New or extended provisions related to stopping and searching vehicles; to the seizure of bags or coats, etc., suspected of containing illegally taken wildlife; to the entry and search of huts other than permanent residences; and to the seizure of firearms after an offence has occurred. Additional protection was given to rangers in broadening the definition of obstruction and providing for their protection against personal liability for anything done in good faith in the course of their duties. Another innovation enables an occupier of land to demand an offender’s name and address. It also enables him to seize birds illegally taken, together with the firearm used.

When dealing with administration of the Wildlife Act it can happen that the same species, such as the pukeko, may be the focus for the conflicting interests of farmer, sportsman, and bird lover. A government agency cannot favour one party beyond another or say that this activity is right or wrong; it must administer legislation impartially, within the policy there established, so as to serve all New Zealanders.

Enforcing the Law

Although public opinion is strongly behind the protection of native birds and despite educational work by various organisations, there are, and always will be, some poachers. Control of poaching is the main lawenforcement problem faced by the Wildlife Branch. The Maori people, early settlers, and those living in bush districts needed the pigeon for food. There is no longer this need, but traditional habits die hard in many areas. The same applies to a lesser extent as regards kaka, tui, godwit, and duck, particularly paradise duck, out of season. In the Rotorua district poaching of spawning trout is an additional problem, while in this district and Southern Lakes, enforcement of fisherv regulations requires much patrolling. Resident . field officers put in \ much hard work in the fight to control poaching, and in rough forested country it is • particularly arduous. Acclimatisation-society field officers also hold warrants as rangers, as do many

officers of the Forest Service. In all, some 1,200 people hold warrants, most of them in an honorary capacity. By the issue of the Ranger’s Guide and by training sessions for some groups, assistance has been given to those willing to help with this task.

Some members of the Forest and Bird Protection Society hold warrants; while most for various reasons are unable to take up the challenging work of an active honorary ranger, any member can assist by immediately reporting offences to the nearest ranger or constable. Speed in this can make all the difference in preventing further offences.

Wildlife Research

A small research section of four biologists and four technical assistants works on a wide range of priority subjects, providing facts on which to base sound programmes for the preservation of native birds, the management of game birds, and the control of nuisance birds.

The study of upland game birds (all of which are introduced) has included detailed studies of the pheasant and California quail in particular. While these mostly interest sportsmen, water-fowl studies are of wider interest. The regular water-fowl banding programme has yielded important information, not only of scientific value but also pointing the way to better management.

A detailed report was published on a large series of banding results involving grey and mallard ducks. This showed clearly the different survival potential of these two species. The work has now been extended to include nesting studies in an effort to unravel facts which may explain why the grey duck is the inferior in competition with mallards, particularly in farm country.

Recently, a study was completed of the paradise duck in central parts of the North Island, in particular their spread in these areas since settlement. Work on the paradise duck is now being extended to the South Island. Studies of Canada geese are also in progress and a detailed two-year nesting study of the black swan at Lake Ellesmere has brought forward much new information.

Although our bird fauna is not rich compared, for example, with Australia, the large number of species confined to this country makes their preservation not only of national but also of international importance. Studies

of the takahe have had high priority and the result of field work in Takahe Valley has been the publication of much detailed information about this rare species confined to valleys of the Murchison Range. It has been clearly shown that, as deer and takahe feed on the same species of plants, deer control is essential. To this end the branch has itself taken an active part in shooting deer as well as making strong representations that control be stepped up.

More recently the study of the takahe has been extended to four birds maintained in restricted freedom. The results of research studies have been of much value both for the protection of birds in the wild and for this project aimed at the eventual breeding of the birds.

The kakapo is also being studied, and since 1958 search parties have located areas where kakapo still exist. With the cooperation of the Forest Service a portion of the Mt. Bruce reserve near Masterton is being developed by the branch as a special native-bird station. Activities will include breeding of rare native birds, the establishment of free-living populations of certain species, the display of some to the public, and general research on native birds. From one kakapo held at this station much knowledge has been gained, especially about the kakapo’s feeding habits and general behaviour. When the right man can be found for such a challenging assignment it is planned to assign a biologist full time to the study of this puzzling species.

The royal albatrosses of Campbell. Island and Taiaroa Head have been studied. At the latter place, the branch, through its local officer, has for many years carried on a longterm conservation project commenced by Dr. L. E. Richdale. This is the building up of a larger breeding colony of these majestic birds. The food habits of wekas in the Gisborne area have been documented throughout the year. Another project under way is a study of the origin and migration routes of godwits wintering in New Zealand in tens of thousands. ' The value of baits dyed bright green as some safeguard to birds during the poisoning of rabbits and opossums has been investigated. Arising from this the cooperation of the Rabbit Destruction Council and the Forest Service has been obtained for the use of : the dye under certain conditions. The department is cooperating with other organisations in a long-term study as to whether DDT as used in New Zealand for control of grass grubs has . any adverse effect on wildlife. New projects are taken up. as problems arise and staffing allows.

Conservation and. Management

The recreational value of the Rotorua and Southern Lakes fisheries is highlighted by the increase of licence sales from 16,000 in 1948 to - 67,000 in 1961. Their management is a main activity in which technicians trap fish, collect data, and carry out surveys. Three hatcheries produce much of the eyed brown and rainbow ova used by acclimatisation societies, and substantial quantities are exported to conservation departments overseas. Last year the hatcheries handled over 5,000,000 ova, while some 100,000 rainbow fingerlings were grown at the Ngongotaha station, chiefly for liberation in those Rotorua lakes where natural spawning facilities are lacking, but also for research purposes.

'Upland game birds such as pheasants, quail, and chukar pose plenty of management problems. At present a partridge farm in the Rangitikei district is being managed by the branch as part of an experiment to try to establish this bird in closely settled farmlands not really suitable for pheasants or quail.

That water birds, whether game or protected species, require water, is a simple fact not as widely appreciated as it should be.

Much of our richest farmland has been reclaimed from swamp, and modern machinery provides the means whereby much of our remaining wet lands can be drained. How far should this development go? Should Lake Ellesmere, the lagoons of the Wairarapa, Lake Tuakitoto, and many small lagoons and swamps be converted into farmlands ? It is felt that there is a strong case for retention of reasonable areas of wet lands but ways and means have still to be worked out. Beyond these policy problems officers of the branch have been actively experimenting to make better use of existing swamps. A mobile unit has recently been constructed to provide some areas of open water in swamps overgrown with vegetation. As information is gained it is passed on to acclimatisation societies and interested landowners. The construction of small ponds of value to ducks for breeding is on the increase and has been encouraged. Although these in no way compensate for the loss of remaining swamps they do serve a useful purpose. Persons owning suitable but comparatively small swamps or even wet gullies, which if managed and developed are ,of great benefit to water birds, can assist with this problem by maintaining or improving them as water bird habitat. The Wildlife Branch would be pleased to inspect and advise on their development.

Wildlife refuges have to be maintained. That at Matata Lagoon was threatened by fibre pollution from a paper mill but has been saved by erection of a weir. In the Harts Creek refuge experimental ponds have been constructed to increase breeding water for ducks. The development of sewage oxidation ponds and the construction of the aerodrome on Manukau Harbour have affected wading birds. With the former, roosting areas have been flooded /with the latter, birds roosting on the runway could be a danger to jet aircraft. The nesting grounds of the Westland black petrel were gradually being surveyed ; before this could be completed some of the area was threatened with logging. Problems such as these can arise at any time, requiring survey and appropriate action.

The North Island weka survives and flourishes on the East Coast but particularly in times of drought it can be a nuisance in gardens. Several hundred birds have now

been trapped. at such times and liberated in a number of localities. Young birds seen at Middlemore, Tangarakau, and Maxwell indicate that the birds may become re-established. The Off-shore Islands From subtropical Raoul Island in the north to subantarctic Campbell Island in the south, New Zealand has very many off-shore islands. They range in size from a mere rocky stack to those containing thousands of acres. A rocky stack with a nesting colony of king shags can well be of more wildlife value than a large island. The islands are mostly steep, rough, and little suited to settlement. In ownership, they can be Crown, Maori, or privately owned. Some are household words, such as Kapiti and Little Barrier; most have not been heard of by the average New Zealander. Some have been fairly well surveyed by scientists; many have not. Collectively, they form a natural history “treasure chest” of great value.

Petrels form the biggest order of birds

in the New Zealand region. From the huge royal and wandering albatross to the tiny storm petrel weighing only a few ounces, some 40 species breed on these islands. Several birds such as two species of saddleback, the stitchbird, and the New Zealand shore plover, as well as the tuatara reptile, are now found only on islands. Some of the more distant groups have their own endemic races of birds. Utilising whatever boat transport is available, landing on open rock-bound coasts, sometimes alone, sometimes with an assistant or voluntary' companions, wildlife officers have now made surveys of dozens of islands; there remain —surveys to • check on birds present, to band birds, to find out whether pests are present and, in some cases, to check on changes which may have occurred since a previous visit. A special job was the making of regulations for mutton birding relating to grey-faced petrels on northern islands and checking on this activity since then. ' >

The report may call for action, sometimes practicable, sometimes not: a pest to be destroyed or removed, owners or residents to be interested in the welfare of birds present; notices to be erected; an honorary ranger to be appointed; representations to the controlling authority for action to be taken for the better protection of the island; recommendation that ownership be investigated with a view to purchase by the Crown for reservation; or negotiations commenced with owners for declaration as a wildlife sanctuary. Steadily this type of work has gone on.

Goats exterminated on the Great King and Cuvier, pigs on Poor Knights, rabbits on Leper, sheep on South-east Island; a fence erected on Stephens Island to contain the keeper’s stock and yearly planting of native shrubs to speed up regeneration; purchase of Cuvier and South-East Islands by the Crown; declaration of Trios and other islands as wildlife sanctuaries; fostering the interest of residents of Great Barrier Island in the protection of the rare brown teal; representations for action on the removal of goats from Raoul Island, pigs from the Chetwodes, rabbits from Motunau, and sheep and cattle from Campbell Islandso the work proceeds. All the time these officers are fostering the interest of land owners, fishermen, lighthouse keepers and others in the conservation of wildlife. Information Services ' The conservation programme that forgets the people has no hope of success, because their cooperation is essential. In a developing country many changes occur which adversely affect wildlife, particularly indigenous fauna, but very little is done with the deliberate intention of doing harm. The damage results, not from intent, but from lack of awareness, from a singlemindedness of purpose which does not see beyond its primary object, or, with others, it results from thoughtlessness and ignorance. The Wildlife Branch therefore recognises that public awareness and sympathy is required for any real strides to be made. On some issues, because of the lack of widespread public support and sense of responsibility, the conservationist today can well be a minority fighting a series of defensive actions, support generally being too little and too late.

Talks, accompanied by films or slides, are a regular part of the duties of subdistrict officers. The Wildlife Branch film library used by them includes 24 titles on wildlife subjects and is added to whenever suitable films become available. Some of these films are made by the branch itself and deal with particular conservation problems. At the moment over 10,000 people see the films annually. By making more films and advertising their existence it is hoped that a still wider audience can be reached. In the last few years the slide collection has been built up to over 1,700 slides. It now covers a wide range of wildlife subjects, and lecturers in this field, wishing to borrow slides from the collection, have only to write in stating the coverage required. Last year the slides illustrated 82 talks to over 5,000 people.

Various exhibits have also been prepared. They cover the indentification of water birds, the protection of native birds, and the building of duck ponds. These are widely used, the water-fowl identification exhibit in particular being shown in towns throughout both islands each year. The duck-pond exhibit is being shown at agricultural and pastoral shows in the North Island this year and it is hoped to extend the coverage next year. Acclimatisation societies and other organisations have been very cooperative and take charge of these exhibits in their own districts. Leaflets, which are always in great demand, particularly from schoolchildren, have been produced dealing with various subjects: the protection of the native pigeon, the albatrosses of Taiaroa Heads, the brown teal, the safety of the kiwi where traps are set for opossums, and bird protection generally. These pamphlets are distributed where it is felt they will do the most good and are available to those who can make good use of them. Three booklets have been produced in recent years to meet special needs— The* Ranger’s Guide; a water-fowl hunter’s guide issued to all licence holders to help them recognise protected water fowl; and a booklet on building duck ponds which, it is hoped, will stimulate interest in providing more water bird habitat. The water-fowl hunter’s guide provides a ready means of identifying ducks, swan, geese, and other water birds. This and the duck-pond booklet are available free to those interested.

The various information services mentioned are only some of the methods used; advertising, posters, and notices are others. Whatever the method the objects are the same; first to stimulate interest, secondly to promote understanding, and finally to achieve cooperation. Members of the Forest and Bird Protection Society are already conscious of

the need for conservation of natural resources, and as people in all walks of life they can spread this consciousness throughout the community. On request we are pleased to give branches and sections of the Society whatever assistance we can in the way of informative material and advice on its use.