Buff Weka Reintroduction

Client: Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua

A reintroduction programme for the vulnerable buff weka (Gallirallus australis) needed to identify suitable release habitat. Past attempts had failed, likely due to predation and poor habitat matches, and there was no current field data to guide a better site.

We adapted a habitat model built from GPS-tracked birds at a previous release site and applied it to the new region, in the central South Island (Te Waipounamu), mapping habitat suitability in detail using factors like vegetation, water access, altitude, and slope.

Outcome: The model identified the most promising areas for release, based on proximity to water, lower altitude, and gentler slopes. We recommended these be confirmed with ground surveys and local knowledge, particularly around predator control.

Method: Resource selection modelling using generalised linear models, applied at 1 ha resolution.