Testing the effectiveness of a novel approach to measure a large roosting congregation in a wetland ecosystem

Abstract

The National Wetland Trust constructed a 1400 m long pest exclusion fence around a 11 hectare site at Rotopiko and all mammals except mice have been eradicated from inside the fenced area. Since the completion of the pest proof fence, the number of roosting birds has increased dramatically. By removing mammalian pests, an unexpected sanctuary has been created for communal roosting birds such as starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) and sparrows (Passer domesticus).