Last weekend of The Great Kererū Count!

Do you have kererū living near you?

Keep an eye on the sky or fruting trees and count the kererū you see!

Your sights will help scientists around the country to build a picture of where kererū are (and aren't) hanging out. It's easy-peasy to take part - just look for kererū over the weekend and report your sights online at greatkererucount.nz or at http://naturewatch.org.nz

This large fruit pigeon are found almost everywhere and are also present on the peninsula in low numbers, sometimes spotted in gardens, parks, bush reserves, and hanging out on power lines. We have seen a few around over the week around Karaka bay and Strathmore.

Even if you don't see any, let us know - it all helps us understand what's happening to kererū around country. Kereru eat large fruit intact, and then distribute the seed through their droppings, sometimes kilometres away from the parent tree. Without the kereru, the rate of decline of kereru-dependent tree species is alarmingly high. Plant species with large fruit include tawa, titoki, nikau, miro and kohekohe. These trees add to biodiversity and are needed as part of a healthy ecosystem. Though kereru are making a comeback around Karori’s Zealandia, they need further support in Miramar. You can help with planting and pest control. Select trees so you have species that will flower or fruit at different times of the year, providing food year-round. Kowhai is often planted and is an important species for kereru, however, kohekohe, pigeonwood and the favourite nikau are sadly often overlooked. See our useful Nectar, fruit & seed calendar below or learn more about kererū below.

All the best and Good Luck
J