4. LIKELY OUTCOMES Forest restoration via removal of mammal pests results in a variety of positive outcomes for forest health, resilience and longevity. Some of the outcomes at similar types of sanctuary, or where pests have been removed as part of a research project are discussed below. Birds Effective pest control usually results in at least an overall doubling of the number of small forest birds and an increase in their conspicuousness. There are some species that benefit more, and some which benefit less, but generally most native species increase in number following pest control. Figure 3 shows the number of forest birds heard during five-minute call counts at Puketi Forest (in Northland) since pest control was initiated in 2003; Figure 3: Average number of birds heard during five-minute bird counts at Puketi Forest (Northland) in the presence of pest control (G. Bramley, unpubl. data). For North Island brown kiwi, there is usually an increase in the number of kiwi and reduced female mortality which results in a more even sex ratio in the population. As numbers increase kiwis often move out into surrounding areas. Figure 4 shows kiwi call counts at Puketi Forest (Northland) since pest control was initiated in 2003 (G. Bramley, unpubl. data). 0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00 10.00 12.00 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 Five Minute Bird Counts (all species)
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