4 minute read
Reviving the Tītī: A Conservation Success Story
The Chatham Islands have always been a haven for seabirds, and among the many species that call the Islands home is the Tītī, or Sooty Shearwater. Once found in their millions but at risk due to introduced predators, the future of the Tītī is now looking brighter thanks to the dedicated work of the Chatham Island Taiko Trust.
The Chatham Islands have always been a haven for seabirds, and among the many species that call the Islands home is the Tītī, or Sooty Shearwater. Once found in their millions but at risk due to introduced predators, the future of the Tītī is now looking brighter thanks to the dedicated work of the Chatham Island Taiko Trust.
Historically, seabirds like the Tītī have played a vital role in the lives of the Moriori and Māori, providing an important food source. But predators such as cats, rats, feral pigs, and weka, drastically reduced populations leaving just a few isolated and struggling groups.
The Taiko Trust’s mission to restore the Tītī population began in earnest in 2016 with the creation of Gap Sanctuary, a predator-free zone on the cliffs of Tuku Farm. Owned by Bruce and Liz Tuanui, it was designed to protect not only seabirds but also a variety of other Chatham Island species.
Two bird transfers from Rangatira (South East Island) were carried out prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a third transfer from Mangere Island in April this year. To ensure the birds were well-prepared for their new environment, they were fed a nutritious sardine “milkshake” and regularly monitored for weight and wing growth. The fledgling birds are expected to return to the sanctuary within three to four years, with breeding typically beginning four to five years after translocation.
Seabirds like the Tītī have played a vital role in the lives of the Moriori and Māori.
At least five Tītī burrows at Gap Sanctuary have shown activity, and, to everyone’s surprise, one of the burrows successfully produced a chick. This chick was not from the translocated birds, but from an unbanded Tītī that had made Gap Sanctuary its home. This discovery was particularly significant because it suggests that the efforts to attract mature birds back to the area have been successful.
Encouragingly, a number of chicks from the initial translocation have been spotted returning to the sanctuary in late 2023 and early 2024. If everything continues to go well, these birds should start breeding at the end of this year, marking another critical milestone in the restoration project.
The return of Tītī to Gap Sanctuary represents a significant victory for the Chatham Island Taiko Trust and seabird conservation. This project, part of a broader effort to restore biodiversity across the Chatham Islands, showcases what can be achieved with persistence, community support, and a deep respect for the environment.
Looking ahead, the Trust plans further bird transfers in 2025 and 2026, with the goal of establishing a thriving, self-sustaining Tītī colony at Gap Sanctuary. By restoring these critical seabird populations, the Trust is helping to heal the island’s ecosystems and secure the future of one of its most iconic species.
This project, part of a broader effort to restore biodiversity across the Chatham Islands, showcases what can be achieved with persistence, community support, and a deep respect for the environment.
None of this would be possible without the help of the local community and the Trust’s generous sponsors. Special thanks go to NZRed, the project’s primary sponsor, and Air Chathams, whose support has been crucial across all the Trust’s initiatives. Additionally, the Rata Foundation has been a major sponsor in the restoration efforts at Gap Sanctuary, playing a key role in enabling this vital conservation work.
For more updates on the Trust’s work and future projects, find them on Facebook and join in the effort to protect the incredible wildlife of the Chatham Islands.
