The sub-adult kakī, raised in captivity through the Kakī Recovery Programme, will bolster the wild population of the critically endangered taonga species. There are currently an estimated 169 wild adults nationally. The population fluctuates but is trending upwards.
DOC Twizel Senior Biodiversity Ranger Dean Nelson says 80 birds were released at Lake Tekapo/Takapō and another 78 into the Tasman Valley, with both releases taking place since the start of August. The birds were reared at DOC's Twizel kakī facility and The Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust in Christchurch.
"Staff will provide the newly released sub-adult kakī with supplementary feeding for up to six weeks to help them settle into their new environment while they are learning to fend for themselves," says Dean.
"Two more birds are currently being treated for bumblefoot/ulcerative pododermatitis at the Wildlife Hospital, Dunedin, and will hopefully be fully recovered and fit for release soon.
"We're also retaining eight young kakī in captivity and it's hoped they will become future captive breeders. They have been selected to retain maximum genetic diversity in the captive population."
Ngāi Tahu Representative on the Kakī Recovery Programme Rynee Graham says the newly released kakī face many challenges adjusting to life outside of captivity.
"So much of their new environment is unfamiliar to the manu including navigating frozen water and interacting with other bird species they have never encountered before," Rynee says.
"While the mortality rate remains high, it is encouraging we have been able to preserve the whakapapa of the kakī to help increase their chances of withstanding threats from disease," she says.
Dean Nelson says this past season saw the highest recorded number of breeding pairs in the wild with 41 pairs producing eggs. Ten years ago, that number was just 17 pairs.
"It's been a positive breeding season for kakī, but they are still doing it tough in the wild as they are vulnerable to introduced predators. On average, about 30 per cent of released birds survive to adulthood."
"Extensive trapping takes place across the Mackenzie Basin, including through the Te Manahuna Aoraki Project and Project River Recovery programmes, with vital support from local landowners.
Dean Nelson says the recovery programme's next goal is research to better understand the causes of mortality and develop methods to increase the survival rate.
