Species

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Justification
This species is listed as Critically Endangered because, subsequent to serious declines since the 1800s, it underwent a population crash following rat invasions in 1990-2000, and it now has a very small population that has declined during the last decade. However, the global population is now increasing owing to successful translocations onto Chalky Island, Maud Island and Tuhua (Mayor Island), and control of predators in its South Island range, and if this trend continues it may qualify for downlisting once the number of mature individuals in the population is clarified.

Taxonomic source(s)
Boon, W. M.; Kearvell, J. C.; Daugherty, C. H.; Chambers, G. K. 2000. Molecular systematics of New Zealand Cyanoramphus Parakeets: conservation of Orange-fronted and Forbes' Parakeets. Bird Conservation International 10: 211-239.

Taxonomic note
Cyanoramphus auriceps (Sibley and Monroe 1990, 1993) has been split into C. auriceps, C. forbesi and C. malherbi following Boon et al. (2000). 'Malherbe's Parakeet' is used as the common name for C. malherbi because 'Orange-fronted Parakeet' as used in BirdLife International (2000, 2004) is taken by Aratinga canicularis.

Identification
23 cm. Bright blue-green parrot with diagnostic orange frontal band and orange patch on sides of rump. Also has pale lemon-yellow forecrown. Female slightly smaller with proportionally smaller bill. Similar spp. Red-crowned Parakeet C. novaezelandiae has crimson forecrown. Yellow-crowned Parakeet C. auriceps yellow-green. Crimson frontal band. Bright yellow forecrown. Red patch on sides of rump (Higgins 1999).

Distribution and population
Cyanoramphus malherbi is known from three valleys in the South Island of New Zealand which are all known to support small breeding populations: the South Branch Hurunui River valley, Hawdon River valley and the Poulter valley, North Canterbury. Birds were sighted in the North Branch of the Hurunui River valley in 2004 and 2005, and a lone male was seen in the Andrews valley in 2007 (J. Kearvell in litt. 2012). A sighting of a single bird from the Eglington Valley, Southland (1990-1991) was reported. Unconfirmed sightings from three further valleys during the 1990s are known. In 1999-2000, the population crashed from perhaps 500-700 birds to a rough estimate of 100-200 as a result of ship rat irruptions in two successive summers (J. van Hal in litt. 2008, 2009). The population has appeared to stabilise at low levels since then and may now be increasing owing largely to translocations. It was once present in the North, most of the South, and Stewart Islands. Range contraction is apparently on-going, with searches failing to find populations present in the 1960s and 1980s (Higgins 1999). Translocations to Chalky Island in Fiordland began in December 2005 and have proved successful, with birds breeding and the population expanding to utilise all corners of the island (Anon. 2007), with over 150 birds estimated in 2009 (J. van Hal in litt. 2008, 2009) and 100-200 individuals in early 2011 (J. Kearvell in litt. 2011). An apparent decline has recently been detected in the Chalky Island population, accompanied by an increase in C. auriceps (J. Kearvell in litt. 2011), and in April 2012 there were thought to be not much over 50 mature individuals of C. malherbi (J. Kearvell in litt. 2012). Since 2007, translocations have also taken place on Maud Island, with successful breeding already recorded (T. Greene in litt. 2007) and perhaps over 50 birds in 2009 (J. van Hal in litt. 2008, 2009) and 60-100 in early 2011 (J. Kearvell in litt. 2011), although in early 2012 there were thought to be fewer than 50 mature individuals, and perhaps as few as 30 mature individuals (J. Kearvell in litt. 2012). In addition, translocations to Tuhua Island have been taking place since December 2009, with 63 birds released by March 2011 and signs of nesting first noted in February of that year (J. Kearvell in litt. 2011), and in 2012, with a population perhaps numbering over 100 birds (J. Kearvell in litt. 2012). Translocations have now also been carried out on Blumine Island in the Marlborough Sounds, where 51 birds were released in 2011/2012 (J. Kearvell in litt. 2012). Overall, the global population may now number 388-663 individuals, with the mainland populations estimated to total 165-300 individuals and the island populations totalling 223-363 individuals in early 2011; however, accurate population estimates are hindered by difficulty in separating this species from sympatric C. auriceps, as well as their apparent rarity (J. Kearvell in litt. 2011, T. Greene in litt. 2012). The Hawdon River valley population may be slowly increasing, and the Poulter valley population is probably stable within a favoured core area, but decreasing beyond this; however, in the South Branch Hurunui River valley, the species is likely to be decreasing due to stochastic events in an already decimated population. Overall, the species's population may now be slowly increasing (J. Kearvell in litt. 2011).

Population justification
Although the population numbered several hundreds prior to 2000, a prolific increase in the population of rats and stoats within its restricted South Island range induced a rapid population decline and the total population has remained well below its previous levels. Successful translocations on two islands have boosted the population of this species to around 450 individuals, however it is uncertain what proportion of the 200+ now present on Chalky Island, Maud Island and Tuhua have bred successfully and can therefore be classified as mature individuals. Accordingly, the number of mature individuals is precautionarily retained as 50-249.

Trend justification
The population fell from 500-700 birds prior to 2000, to 100-200 by 2004. Increased conservation efforts (especially predator control) in its small South Island range and a successful translocation of birds to Chalky and Maud Islands suggest its rapid decline has ceased and some recovery has taken place, with perhaps 450 birds in total in 2009. However, during a ten-year period the species has still experienced a population reduction in the number of mature individuals, which is precautionarily estimated to have been extremely rapid, as the latest population estimate includes an unknown but potentially significant proportion of non-mature individuals (translocated birds yet to have bred).

Ecology
It is restricted to Nothofagus beech forest, although it may not have been so historically. It requires mature trees with natural hollows or cavities for nesting. Monitoring has revealed that 80% of nests are in mature living trees, with the remaining 20% in dead trees (J. Kearvell in litt. 2012). Of those nests found in mature trees, 68% are in red beech Nothofagus fusca. Breeding is linked with the irregular seeding of Nothofagus when numbers can increase substantially. In mast years, many pairs will lay a second clutch, and some may lay a third clutch, with breeding continuing through the austral winter. First clutches may average more than eight eggs, with second clutches averaging over seven in 2011. A recent study on Maud Island has shown that birds form pairs at around seven years of age, and nest in a variety of natural cavities where beech is unavailable (J. Kearvell in litt. 2011, 2012). It feeds on seeds, fruits, leaves, flowers, buds and invertebrates (Kearvell 1999).

Threats
The impact of introduced predators, principally stoats Mustela erminea and rats Rattus spp., is likely to be the primary cause of decline (Higgins 1999), with recent population crashes being due to rat irruptions. The species's hole-nesting behaviour leads to a reduced ratio of females in the population due to predation of birds on the nest (Elliott et al. 1996). Silviculture of beech forests aims to harvest trees at an age when few will be mature enough to develop suitable cavities, so sufficient nest holes are unlikely in managed beech forest (Kearwell 2002). The species forages in low-growing shrubs and such lower forest levels have been subject to heavy browsing by cattle, deer and possums, altering the forest structure (Duncan and van Hal 2004). The population on Chalky Island may suffer competition from C. auriceps (J. Kearvell in litt. 2011). Population growth in island populations, especially on Maud Island, may also be limited through predation by falcons (Falconidae), and displacement of a nesting pair by introduced Common Starlings Sturnus vulgaris has now been documented in the Poulter valley, a threat that is likely to be minimal in its overall impact (J. Kearvell in litt. 2012). In 2008, it was confirmed that native Red-crowned Parakeets C. novaezelandiae on Little Barrier Island were suffering from psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD). The virus has been sequenced and appears very similar to the strain found in Crimson Rosella Platycercus elegans, in which the disease is known to be endemic within the captive population. In 2009, some individuals of C. malherbi on Maud Island were showing some symptoms consistent with PBFD. In reaction, testing of the entire captive population has been undertaken, as well as more limited sampling of individuals in all three island populations, as well as other parrot species. Results indicate that antibodies for PBFD were detected in C. malherbi from both Maud Island and the captive-rearing unit; notably in the latter case antibodies were found in the C. novaezelandiae foster parents (J. Kearvell in litt. 2011), and the disease has now been found in C. auriceps (J. Kearvell in litt. 2012).

Conservation actions underway
CITES Appendix II (1981). Hawdon and Poulter valleys are located within Arthur's Pass National Park and the Hurunui South Branch is in Lake Sumner Conservation Park (J. van Hal in litt. 2008, 2009). Monitoring and conservation of this species is problematic given the difficulty in separating it from C. auriceps. The Hurunui population is contained within a "mainland island" which aims to protect and restore two river valleys through integrated pest management, including minimising numbers of M. erminea. Monitoring of nests will verify whether this is allowing numbers to stabilise and expand. The Hawdon population received M. erminea control only during plague years, which occur, on average, every four years (J. Kearvell in litt. 1999). However, following the dramatic decline in the parakeet population after failure to effectively control predators, rat poisoning and stoat trapping are more extensive within the Hurunui "mainland island" (Keey 2004). All three valleys are now part of the "Operation Ark" initiative targeting rats and stoats in South Island beech forest sites. The control of M. erminea is now continuous, whereas control measures against rats are implemented when populations reach trigger points (J. Kearvell in litt. 2011). Every nest found is also individually protected with tin tree wraps (to prevent access by predators) and a circle of traps at the base of the nest tree (J. van Hal in litt. 2008, 2009). Since 2003, the captive facility at Isaacs Construction Wildlife Centre, Peacock Springs (Christchurch), has released, in conjunction with Department of Conservation, a total of over 250 C. malherbi (J. Kearvell in litt. 2012). Since 2005, individuals have been translocated to Chalky Island in Fiordland, which is free from predators (Duncan and van Hal 2004). The reintroduction of birds to Maud Island has been underway since 2007, and wild-bred birds are now nesting on the island. Translocations to Tuhua Island have been taking place since December 2009, and in early 2011 it was expected that all birds produced in the next captive breeding season would be released there to provide a sufficient founder population (J. Kearvell in litt. 2011). Translocations have also been carried out on Blumine Island (J. Kearvell in litt. 2012). A second captive-breeding group is being set up at Mount Bruce, with only three birds as of early 2012 (J. Kearvell in litt. 2012). A study has been initiated to assess the genetic diversity of the remnant mainland population, with the aim of ensuring that any new founder populations on islands are as genetically diverse as possible, and initial results should be available in late 2012. An analysis of breeding data is also due to be started. A comprehensive testing programme for Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) is currently underway on parrots throughout New Zealand (T. Greene in litt. 2012). Resurvey and disease screening of birds on Chalky Island in Fiordland was planned for August 2012.

Conservation actions proposed
Develop a technique to accurately monitor numbers. Continue to study the species's breeding biology and ecology. Stabilise and increase numbers in the mainland valley populations through predator control, and monitor effectiveness. Train people in the identification of the species (J. Kearvell in litt. 1999). Following the success of translocations to Chalky Island and Maud Island, establish further populations on predator-free offshore islands. Closely monitor the threat from PBFD (J. Kearvell in litt. 2011). Continue research into methods of controlling introduced predators (J. Kearvell in litt. 2012).

References
Sibley, C. G.; Monroe, B. L. 1990. Distribution and taxonomy of birds of the world. Yale University Press, New Haven, USA.

Anon. 2007. Corks fly for Kakariki. Forest and Bird: 15.

Sibley, C. G.; Monroe, B. L. 1993. A supplement to 'Distribution and taxonomy of birds of the world'. Yale University Press, New Haven, USA.

Triggs, S. J.; Daugherty, C. H. 1996. Conservation and genetics of New Zealand parakeets. Bird Conservation International 6: 89-101.

Elliott, G. P.; Dilks, P. J.; O'Donnell, C. F. J. 1996. Nest site selection by Mohua and Yellow-crested Parakeets in beech forest in Fiordland, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Zoology 23: 267-278.

Taylor, R. H. 1998. A reappraisal of the Orange-fronted Parakeet (Cyanoramphus sp.)---species or colour morph? Notornis 45: 49-63.

Higgins, P. J. 1999. Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic birds: parrots to dollarbirds. Oxford University Press, Oxford, U.K.

Kearvell, J. C. 1999. Report on the Orange-fronted Parakeet.

Boon, W. M.; Kearvell, J. C.; Daugherty, C. H.; Chambers, G. K. 2000. Molecular systematics of New Zealand Cyanoramphus Parakeets: conservation of Orange-fronted and Forbes' Parakeets. Bird Conservation International 10: 211-239.

BirdLife International. 2000. Threatened birds of the world. Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, Barcelona and Cambridge.

Kearvell, J. C. 2002. Nest sites of sympatric orange-fronted (Cyanoramphus malherbi) and yellow-crowned parakeets (C. auriceps). Notornis 49: 261-263.

Keey, G. 2004. Orange-fronted Parakeet. Forest and Bird: 16-18.

Duncan, P.; Van Hal, J. 2004. The Orange-fronted Parakeet: New Zealand's rarest mainland forest bird. Southern Birds 17: 8-9.

BirdLife International. 2004. Threatened birds of the world 2004. CD-Rom.

Further web sources of information
View photos and videos, and hear sounds of this species from the Internet Bird Collection

Text account compilers
Benstead, P., Bird, J., Butchart, S., Harding, M., Khwaja, N., McClellan, R., Symes, A., Taylor, J.

Contributors
Greene, T., Hitchmough, R., Kearvell, J., van Hal, J.

IUCN Red List evaluators
Butchart, S., Symes, A.

Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2013) Species factsheet: Cyanoramphus malherbi. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 19/06/2013. Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2013) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 19/06/2013.

This information is based upon, and updates, the information published in BirdLife International (2000) Threatened birds of the world. Barcelona and Cambridge, UK: Lynx Edicions and BirdLife International, BirdLife International (2004) Threatened birds of the world 2004 CD-ROM and BirdLife International (2008) Threatened birds of the world 2008 CD-ROM. These sources provide the information for species accounts for the birds on the IUCN Red List.

To provide new information to update this factsheet or to correct any errors, please email BirdLife

To contribute to discussions on the evaluation of the IUCN Red List status of Globally Threatened Birds, please visit BirdLife's Globally Threatened Bird Forums.

Additional resources for this species

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