funding. The upgrade involves replacing each trap with a stainless steel trap. Funding is sought to continue upgrading the stoat traps. The growing number of whio pairs and increasing productivity success should continue providing the stoat control network is maintained and upgraded. Species Information and threat status: Blue Duck = Endangered http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22680121/0 This species is listed as Endangered because it has a very small and severely fragmented population which is undergoing a rapid decline owing to a variety of factors, most notably the effects of introduced predators. Threats: Predation of eggs, young and incubating females by stoat Mustela erminea was found to be the most significant threat to the species at least in Fiordland, but also probably across the rest of the species range. Eggs are also taken by brush-tailed possum Trichosurus vulpecula and occasionally by Weka Gallirallus australis (Adams et al. 1997). The greatest predation pressure occurs in cycle with beech mast years, as rodent populations explode, causing a lagged increase in stoat populations which seek alternative prey when rodent numbers crash (Whitehead et al. 2008). A male-biased sex-ratio has been observed throughout the range, indicating that predation during incubation (which is almost exclusively carried out by the female) is significant. Previously, grazing and clearance of waterside vegetation decreased water quality and led to the species’ disappearance from lowland rivers. Hydroelectric dams have altered the flow of some rivers, reducing available habitat (Heather and Robertson 1997), but increases in flow rates implemented from 2004 have mediated some of the impacts. Poor dispersal reduces recolonisation and prevents mixing of nearby populations. Introduced trout may compete for food, and birds caught in discarded fishing line have been reported. Human activities on the rivers often cause significant disturbance, and sub-division of land for development has recently occurred adjacent to rivers occupied by the species. The introduced alga Didymo may reduce habitat quality, and avian diseases have the potential to significantly impact populations if introduced. Amount awarded 2013/14: $5,000 Amount awarded to date:
$ 5,000
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