The hihi/stitchbird (Notiomystis cincta) is a medium-sized forest-dwelling passerine that once occurred throughout New Zealand. European colonisation, introduced predators, habitat loss and, possibly, disease reduced the distribution of hihi to Hauturu/Little Barrier Island in the Hauraki Gulf, where they have persisted to the present day. The hihi could be the sole representative of a new family endemic to New Zealand.
The Department of Conservation’s Stitchbird Recovery Plan has a long term goal of increasing the number of self-sustaining populations of hihi to five. Important steps towards this include:
- Ensure the Little Barrier population of hihi is protected
- Establish self-sustaining populations at new sites through translocation
- Monitor and enhance existing populations on managed islands
- Improve knowledge of hihi through research
- Maintain a small captive population at the Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre in eastern Wairarapa.
DOC and its predecessor, the New Zealand Wildlife Service, have carried out a series of translocations of hihi from Little Barrier Island to other secure predator-free islands. Small populations now exist on Kapiti and Tiritiri Matangi islands. Early attempts to establish birds on Hen, Mokoia (Lake Rotorua) and Cuvier islands were not successful without supporting management.
Later transfers to Kapiti and Tiritiri Matangi trialled new management techniques to assist the hihi to survive. DOC now supports these populations by providing nectar feeders and artificial nest boxes. Staff closely monitor breeding activity during the summer season and manage nest boxes to prevent problems from mite infestations. Infertile clutches are also removed to encourage re-nesting.
All this is done at a cost and to continue to ensure this last remaining kind of it species continues to live it needs our support.
Wesfarmers Industrial Safety New Zealand proudly supports this recovery program.
Click on the following links for further information:
Department of Conservation’s Stitchbird Recovery Plan
