WHAT IS TRANSLOCATION?

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1 This presentation covers: Statistics from the Translocation Spreadsheet in which DOC approved translocations have been recorded since 2002 An introduction to DOC s revised translocation process what we are doing next WHAT IS TRANSLOCATION? Translocation is the managed movement of live indigenous plants or animals from one location to another. Translocation covers the entire process, including planning, the transfer, release, monitoring and post-release management. A translocation can consist of one or more transfers. Transfer is the part of a translocation that involves the physical movement of plants or animals from one location to another and their release or planting at the new site. WHY DO TRANSLOCATIONS? As a short or long term way to increase a species chance of survival or recovery. E.g. establish new populations, enhance existing populations or reestablish locally extinct populations. As part of a restoration programme. To establish a species for a specific purpose, such as advocacy, education or scientific study. DOCDM

2 Trends 2002 to 2010 Data taken from Translocation Spreadsheet which records approved translocations beginning in 2002 when the 2002 Translocation Process was approved. Notes: Data in the spreadsheet is incomplete as not all information on approved translocations has been entered Data is incomplete before 2002: Information on reintroductions prior to 1990 is available from the New Zealand Translocation Database Other sources of information DOCDM

3 Over 300 translocation proposals have been approved in this period. Many proposals consist of more than one transfer. In 2002 proposals from community groups made up 16% of the approved proposals. In 2006 this had increased to 47% In 2010 it had increased to 70% Note: Reports for approx 130 approved proposals have not been entered in the spreadsheet means we can t learn from these translocations DOCDM

4 Conservancy Community Group & Joint Proposals DOC Total Auckland Southland Nelson/Marlborough Wellington Canterbury Waikato Northland East Coast Hawke s Bay Bay of Plenty Wellington Hawke s Bay Otago West Coast Wanganui Tongariro Taupo NB missing 2 multiconservancy proposals 302 DOCDM

5 Map shows community group and Joint proposals by DOC Conservancy Top 4 in term of total number of community group & joint proposals are: Auckland Wellington Canterbury Waikato Top 4 in terms of number of DOC proposals are: Southland Nelson/Marlborough Wellington Canterbury Note: Conservancy boundaries have changed hence dual entry for Hawke s Bay and Wellington DOCDM

6 Bats no proposals approved in period Birds threatened and non threatened species, over 50 taxa covered more in next slide Reptile translocations were made up of: -Lizards threatened and non threatened species, over 17 taxa -Tuatara 3 taxa Frogs includes proposals for Archey s, Hamiliton s, and Hochstetter s and Maud Island frog. Plants majority are threatened species, 12 taxa, couple of multi-species proposals & majority of proposals are from DOC Invertebrates 4 taxa DOCDM

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16 This section is about the new translocation process which has been recently approved (April 2011) Plan is to have the new process available on: DOC website (information & key documents providing community groups with access) Check out the poster Is your community group interested in translocating species In response to the increased number of proposals coming from Community Groups, DOC has revised and improved the process for community groups wishing to carry out native species translocation projects. DOCDM

17 Release of the revised translocation process is affected by the Services and Support Review that DOC is currently undertaking: A launch will occur after February 2012 (post the review) Information will be available via both the DOC website and intranet for users DOCDM

18 If you would like more information refer to the information sheet Getting the go-ahead for a translocation WHEN TRANSLOCATION PROPOSALS ARE NOT NEEDED?» Captive to captive transfers» Injured or sick wildlife being treated under permits to temporarily hold injured wildlife» Aquatic life (there is a separate process for these)» Marine plants and animals (except for birds)» Some situations where wildlife is relocated from sites affected by development under RMA consents» Exotic animals» Indigenous animal species that are game (Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Act) or that are not protected (Schedule 5 of the Wildlife Act)» Exotic plant species» Re-vegetation/restoration planting projects that have an approved restoration plan Contact your local DOC Area Office to find out about getting permits. DOCDM

19 Translocation begins with the Idea.. wouldn t it nice to have robins in our restoration area? The DOC website: will have useful information on it: Information sheet Getting the go-ahead for a translocation Translocation guide for community groups List of useful websites 1. Read the information 2. Write an Outline of your idea 3. Take it to your local Area Office of DOC DOCDM

20 Area staff consider the implications of your outline and where appropriate (i.e. if it is not feasible then won t seek feedback) seek feedback from: iwi affected by the proposal Key partners (e.g. community groups helping manage conservation land) Other DOC staff Then they will meet and give you feedback on: Feasibility of your idea Where more information is needed Any aspects DOC would look at closely And pass on feedback from iwi affected by the proposal and key partners DOCDM

21 You decide to proceed Let DOC know and meet with them to: Discuss your expectations of DOC and get clarity on the level of DOC support Go over the paperwork Get other information from DOC You plan the translocation and complete the translocation proposal form Your proposal is approved or declined DOCDM

22 At least 2 months before the transfer inform iwi affected by the proposal and other key partners (including DOC) of the transfer. Collect, transfer and release the animals/plants as: Set out in your approved translocation proposal In accordance with permit conditions And Animal Ethics Committee conditions Carry out disease management. Involve iwi affected by the proposal and the community Write your transfer report (this evaluates the outcome achieved so far) and pass the information on to DOC, iwi affected by the proposal and other key partners DOCDM

23 Manage, monitor and report as outlined in your approved translocation proposal DOCDM

24 This is the process from go to the end DOCDM

25 Photos from left to right, starting at the top: Richard Henry; feeding pycroft s petrel, tracking Campbell Island teal using radio telemetry; transmitter harness for Campbell Island teal; NI saddleback in temporary aviary; returning a chick to an artificial burrow. So what We have gone from picking likely sites, collecting and releasing animals with little or no documentation which was often the practice prior to The 2002 process and the new process (outlined here) acknowledge the complexity of translocations. Translocation can have important, long-lasting effects not just on the animal or plant being moved, but often on its whole environment too. Most significantly disease. It is important that these aspects have been thought through carefully by those who want to carry out translocations and by the Department when it approves translocations. Consultation with iwi affected by the proposal and stakeholders is important to ensure ongoing support and maintain strong working relationships. Failure to engage can put future translocations at risk. DOCDM

26 Refer to poster Is your community group interested in translocating species Key Messages In response to earlier public feedback, DOC has written an information sheet Getting the go-ahead for a translocation and the Translocation guide for community groups to help you through the translocation process DOC would like to spend time with you early on in the process to give feedback on the feasibility of your idea. If it is feasible and your decide to proceed to discuss expectations, identify potential issues and help you work through them Start communication at the ideas stage Keep communicating through planning and implementation We want to learn from our collective translocation experiences and share the learning with others. Your reports will help inform decision making on future translocations. DOCDM

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28 Release of the revised translocation process is affected by the Services and Support Review that DOC is currently undertaking: A launch will occur after February 2012 (post the review) Information will be available via both the DOC website and intranet for users DOCDM