Does that tiny pop of Rifleman in Northland still survive?

[andrewcrossland]

I recall maybe 20 years ago the announcement that a tiny relic population was discovered in a forest in Northland. Can anyone update me on whether, 20 years later, the pop still survives? and if it does, has it done so by itself or has it been kept alive by intervention like predator control? Thanks

[simon.fordham]

The population at Warawara, north of Hokianga Harbour, was 'officially' rediscovered in 1994 but anecdotal records suggest that their presence was known prior to that. Locals assure me that it is hanging in there, doing ok in fact. There has been some degree of predator control in the area, particularly in the last couple of years.

https://reconnectingnorthland.org.nz/project/warawara-project/
https://www.doc.govt.nz/news/stories/2018/d-g-direct-27-july-2018/


I have also heard of anecdotal reports of other populations in the Far North but none of these have ever been substantiated.

Simon