Notes

Predation at nests by ship rats and possums is the primary cause of current declines of North Island kokako. Food reduction mainly by possums and predation by stoats are unhelpful secondary factors. All current populations must be continually managed against introduced mammal pests, either by repeated pest control on the mainland, or by vigilance against pest invasion on islands. Ship rats and possums are routinely targeted by trapping and poisoning so that their numbers are low for the duration of the breeding season (November to February). Food supply influences the number of breeding attempts that kokako make, but nest predators determine the outcomes of these attempts. Several key populations are being restored primarily by community groups. Maintenance of genetic health also influences management; e.g. new populations are established with individuals from two different source populations, totalling >40 founders. The conservation status of this species was moved from nationally vulnerable to 'at risk - recovering' in 2013.