Rooks were introduced to New Zealand between 1862-1873 to control insects, but like many other introduced species, their population flourished and spread in some areas.

This species was first named as a pest in the Otago region’s pest management plan in 2008. They were maintained as an eradication species in the 2018 plan iteration.

ORC and our neighbouring regional councils, Environment Southland and Environment Canterbury, have worked together to control this species across the lower South Island. With the addition of invaluable community support, rook numbers in Otago have been reduced to single digits from several thousands of individuals in the late 80’s to mid 90s.

The decades-long eradication programme has been highly successful, and as we near the end of the programme the question is, are there any breeding pairs left?

Portfolio lead Cr Andrew Noone says, “We had a credible sighting in Clarke’s Junction last year, and also sightings in both Omakau and Tapanui this year - these birds are likely to be lone males. We need the public’s help to target the last remaining birds, bearing in mind the potential always remains for the population to increase again. Rooks are attracted to recently cultivated paddocks and will feed on newly sown crops causing significant damage.”

People are being asked to report rook sightings during spring, when the pest birds are most active.

“ORC’s ‘Report a Pest’ form is an easy way to let our biosecurity team know exactly where and when the sighting was made, says Cr Noone. “But it’s vital that you take a photo as rooks can be confused with magpies, blackbirds and even hawks.”

“Should we discover an active nest, ORC would investigate to establish if the rooks are actively breeding or if it is just the male going through the motions of nest building, which they can do regardless of a mate.”

Otago Regional Council has produced a brochure for community notice boards, cultivation contractors, and landowners who may have a rookery on their property, or nearby.