Dunedin Weka Sightings Slow Down After Brief Increase

Weka bird sightings in Dunedin have dropped off sharply after a brief spike, pointing to the ongoing difficulty the native birds face in returning to the area. Retired bird expert Bruce McKinlay tracked about 76 weka sightings in the city over the past five years up to September last year, following credible reports from residents.

Sighting Groups

McKinlay noted three clear groups of weka during this period. A breeding pair settled in the northern suburb of Normanby and raised three sets of chicks. Other groups appeared at Seconds Beach in St Clair and on the Otago Peninsula. However, reports of the St Clair birds ended in October last year, and sightings of the Normanby birds stopped around March. Only the weka on the peninsula are known to remain.

Threats and Vulnerability

Weka are easily hunted by other animals and remain vulnerable to environmental changes. McKinlay pointed out that mustelids, cats, and dogs pose a major threat to them. Historical stories from iwi show that weka were once an important seasonal food source before European settlement. McKinlay warned that bringing weka into the area by hand condemns them to die, noting that a successful return would require heavy effort and coordination.

Context

Bringing back native species to areas where they were wiped out often brings tough choices about managing predators and other wildlife. Weka are known to hunt other native birds like the sooty shearwater, making conservation planning complex. Anyone who spots a weka in Dunedin can report it to the Department of Conservation hotline at 0800 362 468.