You can contact LEARNZ, part of CORE Education, at:
Postal Address:
PO Box 13 678,
Christchurch 8141,
New Zealand
Meet Dave Bryden
Job description:
I specialise in the conservation of endangered passerines (perching birds). I mainly advise environmental managers and community groups on how to establish and manage kōkako populations. I spend a lot of time in the field, managing translocations, post-release surveys and monitoring breeding success.
Work background:
I have spent over 10 years working and volunteering with endangered species in New Zealand and overseas, including kōkako, black robins, kākāpō, tīeke, hihi, shore plovers, Kirtland’s warblers, Manumea and Mauritian flycatchers.
Favourite part of job:
When we get to see birds we’ve translocated to a new site successfully fledge chicks in their new home.
Least favourite part of job:
Wind, and rain. We need calm and dry weather to catch kōkako.
What I am working on now:
We’ve just finished a translocation of kōkako to Parininihi, in Taranaki. Now, we are catching birds to supplement the kōkako population on Pirongia Mountain.
A quick story about a job well done:
Whilst managing the predator control for kōkako recovery in Hunua, the population increased from 25 pairs to 60 pairs over four years. The next survey is this year and we’re really excited to see what it’s up to now.
A (humorous) story about a job that went badly and what you learned:
After a translocation of kōkako to the Waitakere Ranges several years back one of the males, named Duncan, soon disappeared. After going undetected for two years, a member of the public rang up to say they had a kōkako in their back garden in the central city suburb of St Heliers, 32 kilometers away from Waitakere. It took 8 days to catch him and return him to Waitakere, and we learnt to take all public observations seriously after that!
Qualifications:
I studied at the University of Auckland and have a Bachelor of Science in Geography with an Environmental Science Specialisation and a MSc (Master of Science) in Environmental Science. I also have training in fun stuff like tree climbing, 4-wheel driving and quad bikes.
Interests outside work:
Tramping, mountain biking, surfing, craft beer.
Dave Bryden is a conservation ecologist who works with perching birds such as kōkako. Image: Pirongia Te Aroaro o Kahu Society.