Cyanoramphus malherbi

Orange-fronted parakeet (Cyanoramphus malherbi) or Malherbe's parakeet is a small parrot endemic to New Zealand. It is known in te reo māori as kākāriki karaka or orange-fronted kākāriki, with kākāriki translating to 'small parrot' and the colour green. The species shares the name "orange-fronted parakeet" with Eupsittula canicularis, a Central American species.<ref name=":0">BirdLife International (2016) Species factsheet: Cyanoramphus malherbi. Template:Webarchive Downloaded from www.birdlife.org on 2016-03-23.</ref> Restricted to a few valleys in the South Island, its population declined to around 200 in the 1990s, and it is considered critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and Nationally Critical by the New Zealand Threat Classification System. The parakeet has since been translocated to several islands and a fenced mainland site.

Taxonomy

The genus Cyanoramphus is endemic to New Zealand and surrounding islands<ref name=":1">Kearvell, J; Grant, A; Boon, W (2003). "The orange-fronted parakeet (Cyanoramphus malherbi) is a distinct species: a review of recent research on its taxonomy and systematic relationship within the genus Cyanoramphus". Notornis, 50: 27–35</ref> and it has been proposed that the ancestor of Cyanoramphus dispersed from New Caledonia to New Zealand via Norfolk Island 500,000 years ago.<ref name=":2">Boon, W; Kearvell, J; Daugherty, C; Chambers, G. (2001). "Molecular Systematics and Conservation of Kakariki (Cyaniramphus spp.)". Science for Conservation 176, Department of Conservation, Wellington, New Zealand</ref>

Controversy has surrounded the classification of this bird; is it its own species or a colour morph of the similar yellow-crowned parakeet (C. auriceps)?<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> It was described in 1857 from a museum specimen of unknown origin; its species name honours French ornithologist Alfred Malherbe.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> During the late 1800s, ornithologists considered it to be a distinct species, but during the latter half of the 20th century, it was often considered a colour morph;<ref name=":3">Nixon, A.J. (1981). "The External Morphology and Taxonomic Status of the Orange-fronted Parakeet". Notornis 28: 292–300</ref> as recently as 1990, the Ornithological Society of New Zealand listed it as a form of C. auriceps.<ref name=":1" /> After analysis using molecular genetic methods in 2000, the current consensus among researchers, which is accepted by the New Zealand Department of Conservation, is that C. malherbi is a distinct species.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /><ref>Boon, W; Kearvell, J; Daugherty, C; Chambers, G. (2000). "Molecular systematics of New Zealand Cyanoramphus parakeets: conservation of Orange-fronted and Forbes' Parakeets". Bird Conservation International 10: 211–239</ref>

Description

Adult with its orange frontal band

The orange-fronted parakeet is a medium-sized parrot, about 20 cm long. Its body is primarily a bright blue-green, with azure blue primary covert and leading-edge feathers on its wings.<ref name=":4">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

It has a distinctive (and diagnostic) orange frontal band with a lemon yellow crown, but this is absent in juvenile birds, which have a band of pale yellow.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5">Kearvell, J; Connor, C; Farley, M. (2014). "Field identification of the orange-fronted parakeet (Cyanoramphus malherbi): pitfalls for the unwary". Notornis 61(4): 200–204</ref> The orange frontal band begins to develop when the bird is 2–5 weeks old.<ref name=":5" /> Its rump has orange patches on the sides. Colouration in males tends to be brighter, and juveniles are distinctly duller.<ref name=":4" />

The only reliable features that separate mature orange-fronted parakeets from the similar yellow-crowned parakeet (C. auriceps) are the colour of the frontal band and rump, though there are more subtle differences in size, plumage colour and habits.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":5" />

Distribution and habitat

The species is found in only three regions on New Zealand's South Island: the South Branch Hurunui River Valley, Hawdon River Valley, and the Poulter Valley. In addition, kākāriki karaka have been translocated to Te Hoiere / Maud Island, Oruawairua / Blumine Island, Chalky Island, Mayor Island / Tūhua, Pukenui / Anchor Island and the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary in Nelson.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":6">Gaze, P., Cash, B. (2008) A history of wildlife translocations in the Marlborough Sounds, Occasional Publication No. 72, Nelson: Department of Conservation</ref> Several of these island populations no longer persist with only Blumine and Brook Waimārama Sanctuary carrying significant populations, and Anchor Island still in the establishment phase .

In the South Island, the parakeet is predominantly found only in Nothofagus/Fuscospora (beech) forest<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":7">Template:Cite journal</ref> with some reports from alpine and subalpine tussock and open matagouri shrubland.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":8">Harrison, M. (1970). "The Orange-fronted Parakeet (Cyanoramphus malherbi)". Notornis 17 (2): 115–125</ref>

Behaviour

The parakeet is most often observed foraging, preening, and resting.<ref>Ortiz-Catedral, L. (2009). "Some observations on the behaviour of the critically endangered orange-fronted parakeet (Cyanoramphus malherbi) on Maud Island, New Zealand". Notornis 56: 165–166</ref> It prefers the upper-middle stratum of forests, but also frequents lower strata more often than C. auriceps.<ref name=":7" />

Diet and feeding

The orange-fronted kākāriki typically feeds in the canopy of New Zealand beech trees, but also forages in low vegetation and on the ground.<ref name=":4" /> It is typically observed feeding in flocks of mixed species, eating various seeds, beech flowers, buds, and invertebrates.<ref name=":7" />

During spring, invertebrates become a significant part of their diet, including leaf roller moth and fungus moth caterpillars, other Lepidoptera, and aphids.<ref name=":7" /> They have been observed feeding on herbs and ferns on the ground, including Lobelia species, Oreomyrrhis colensoi, Parahebe lyallii, Leptinella maniototo and Blechnum penna-marina.<ref name=":7" /> During mast years, beech seeds become the dominant feature of their diet.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":7" />

The Maud Island population appeared to have different dietary preferences to mainland populations, eating more plant species and fewer invertebrates.<ref name=":9">Template:Cite journal</ref>

Breeding

Orange-fronted parakeets are monogamous and able to nest year-round, but peak breeding is between December and April. They primarily nest in natural hollows or cavities of mature beech trees,<ref name=":0" /> often in red beech (Fuscospora fusca).<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":7" /><ref name=":10">Ortiz-Catedral, L. (2012). "Habitat use by the critically endangered orange-fronted parakeet (Cyanoramphus malherbi) on Maud Island: its relevance for future translocations". Notornis 59: 148-152</ref> On Maud Island they were found to nest in Pinus radiata forests.<ref name=":11">Template:Cite journal</ref>

Clutch size is around seven eggs with an incubation period of 21–26 days.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":11" /> The female exclusively incubates and the male feeds her. Nestlings fledge between 43 and 71 days, but remain dependent for 2–4 weeks.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":11" />

Their breeding is also linked to the production of beech seed during mast years.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" /> During seeding events, and other periods where food is plentiful, they are able to produce secondary clutches, with some pairs reportedly breeding up to four times in succession.<ref name=":4" />

Status

Malherbe's parakeet was classified as Nationally Critical by the New Zealand Department of Conservation in 2021<ref>Robertson, H; Baird, K; Elliott, G; Hitchmough, R; McArthur, N; Makan, T; Miskelly, C; O'Donnell, C; Sagar, P; Scofield, R; Taylor, G; Michel, P. (2021). Conservation status of birds in Aotearoa New Zealand, 2021. NZ Threat Classification Series 36. Department of Conservation</ref> and critically endangered by the IUCN.<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" />

In the 19th century, the species was widespread, occurring throughout New Zealand's South Island. The birds, along with other members of their genus, reportedly flocked en masse into rural areas, feeding on orchards and crops.<ref name=":8" /> This behaviour, likely a result of population booms driven by the masting of beech forests, has ceased since the extirpation of these species from much of the mainland.<ref name=":4" />

Prior to 2000, the parrot's population numbered in the hundreds in the South Island, but fell from 500–700 individuals to an estimated 100–200 by 2004, due to significant increases in rat and stoat populations, in particular a rat plague during 2001.<ref name=":12">Elliot, G.P.; Suggate, R. 2007. Operation Ark: three year progress report. Christchurch, Department of Conservation</ref>

The Hawdon River Valley houses 70–200 individuals reported in 2013, but numbers are apparently decreasing.<ref name=":0" /> The Poulter Valley population also declined in 2013, with roughly 40–80 individuals now occurring in this region. The South Branch Hurunui River Valley population is even smaller, as few as 20–40 birds.<ref name=":0" /> The current stronghold for this species is the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, numbering upwards of 300 individuals. The population continues to grow due to the pest-free habitat afforded by the pest-resistant fence.

The world population of this species was estimated to be 290–690 individuals in 2013, with translocated island populations making up 160–420 of these birds. Determining exact numbers of the parakeet is difficult, however, due to their rarity, quiet nature, and similarities to C. auriceps.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" />

Threats

The original decline in population was most likely due to habitat destruction and fragmentation by human activity, hunting,<ref name=":13">Innes, J; Kelly, D; Overton, J; Gilles, C. (2010). "Predation and other factors currently limiting New Zealand forest birds" New Zealand Journal of Ecology 34: 86–114</ref> and primarily, predation from exotic species.<ref name=":8" /><ref name=":14">Template:Cite journal</ref> The biggest limitation of this species today is predation by introduced mammalian pests.<ref name=":13" />

Orange-fronted parakeets evolved in isolation from land mammals, so are especially vulnerable to introduced predators. Their current decline is due to predation from stoats (Mustela ermine), rats (Rattus spp.), and brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) , which target eggs and nestlings.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":10" /><ref name=":13" /><ref name=":14" /> One population was reduced by 85% in 2001 due to predator irruption after a beech mast (a season of high production by southern beech).<ref name=":15" /> Deer and possums also contribute to the decline of kākāriki karaka through forest destruction.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" />

Competition for food may also be a factor. Introduced birds, mice, wasps, and rats are considerably reducing invertebrate numbers, on which the parakeet relies during winter and spring.<ref name=":7" /><ref name=":13" /> The parakeet is a food generalist, though, and may compensate with other food sources, as observed on Maud Island. This dietary flexibility is promising for the species' recovery.<ref name=":9" />

Inbreeding depression and low genetic diversity may affect the viability of these small populations by reducing their capacity to adapt to threats and diseases.<ref name=":13" /><ref>Jamieson, I. (2015) "Significance of population genetics for managing small natural and reintroduced populations in New Zealand". New Zealand Journal of Ecology 39 (1): 1–18</ref>

The specialised nesting habitat of the orange-fronted parakeet increases its vulnerability to extinction.<ref name=":11" /><ref name=":14" /> The reasons for this include: (1) a single nest opening means that incubating females may be unable to escape from invading predators and will also be killed, (2) because only females incubate, predation may cause a biased sex ratio, (3) their relatively long nesting period (when compared to other parakeets) increases their vulnerability to predation.<ref name=":14" /> Introduced starlings may also be outcompeting the parrot for nesting sites.<ref name=":4" /><ref>Kearvell, J (2013). "Interspecific competition for nest sites between common starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) and orange-fronted parakeets (Cyanoramphus malherbi) in the Poulter Valley". Notornis 60: 188–190</ref>

Conservation

Malherbe's parakeet is protected under New Zealand's Wildlife Act 1953.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The species is also listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) meaning international export/import (including parts and derivatives) is regulated.<ref name="Appendices | CITES">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Predator management is the main strategy to reverse this species' decline.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":13" /> All three mainland populations come under the "Operation Ark" initiative, which controls stoat, possum, and rat populations through integrated pest management, with particular focus on reducing the effect of predator plagues.<ref name=":12" /> These pest-management strategies have worked with other New Zealand bird species to reduce predation by introduced mammals.<ref name=":12" /><ref>O'Donnell, C; Hoare, J. (2012). "Quantifying the benefits of long-term integrated pest control for forest bird populations in a New Zealand temperate rainforest". New Zealand Journal of Ecology 36 (2)</ref>

Individual nest sites are also protected from predators using metal tree-trunk wraps; this has been a successful programme and only one nest out of 153 has been lost to predators since 2003.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":12" />

The other major conservation strategy is captive-breeding programmes carried out at Peacock Springs by the Isaac Wildlife Trust, with individuals being released on predator-free islands.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":4" /><ref name=":12" /> Birds are placed in portable aviaries in the forest to acclimatise them before release.<ref name=":15">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

A total of 45 birds was released between 2005 and 2007 on Chalky Island, off the coast of Fiordland. The local population had increased to 150 individuals in 2009, and 100–200 by 2011, but had declined to 50–150 individuals in 2013.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":12" />

Sixty-eight individuals were released on Maud Island in the Marlborough Sounds between 2007 and 2009, but in 2013, the island's population consisted of only 10–20 birds.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":6" /><ref name=":12" />

Orange-fronted parakeets have also been translocated to Mayor Island / Tūhua in the Bay of Plenty and Blumine Island in the Marlborough Sounds; estimated population in 2013 were 50–150 and 50–100 birds, respectively. The Blumine population is the most secure island site today..<ref name=":0" />A recent translocation to Anchor Island in Fiordland is still in an establishment phase.

A population of kākāriki karaka has been established at the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary near Nelson through seven translocations (to March 2023) totalling 125 birds from several of the other populations.<ref>ENews from Brook Sanctuary, March 2023: 2.</ref> The 690 hectare Sanctuary is free of all introduced mammals except for mice, with two thirds intact mature beech forest.

External links

• Orange-fronted parakeet discussed on RadioNZ's Critter of the Week, 24 February 2017
• Films of the Malherbe's Parakeet at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology