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Host a ruru nest box!

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Rurus in Kaipātiki

You may have heard their calls in the evenings, but the forest-dwelling ruru can be an elusive creature to spot due to their nocturnal habit and silent flight. Ruru, like many of our native wildlife species, face multiple threats such as habitat loss and predation from invasive predators.

 

Ruru can nest in the cavities of dead or living trees, in clumps of epiphytes, but have also been known to nest in holes in the ground or under tree fronds or logs. With introduced predators like rats and possums around, the ground is no longer a safe place to nest. At the same time, mature trees with suitable cavities are getting few and far between, especially in urban areas like Kaipātiki. Female ruru, their eggs and chicks are also thought to be especially vulnerable to predators during nesting season over spring and summer. 

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One way we can help ruru is by putting up artificial nest boxes in trees, which provide suitable nesting habitat that is off the ground. Combined with strong predator trapping, this can provide a safe environment for ruru families over nesting season, giving the chicks a better chance of making it through summer. ​​​

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Help the ruru, host a nest box!​

 

Kaipātiki residents can collect a FREE ruru nest box kit from us and the chance to host your very own ruru family in your backyard if you... ​

  • have suitable ruru habitat and an appropriate sturdy tree 

    • Somewhere dark, sheltered and quiet, preferably in a stand of trees​

  • have strong predator trapping (or are willing to start!)

    • Trapping for both rats and possums is necessary ​

    • Trapping is preferable to baiting as ruru can be sensitive to secondary posioning

    • We can provide you with free traps and training

  • log your traps on trapNZ (or are willing to start!)​

  • are able to maintain your nest box

    • Nest boxes should be cleaned out annually during winter to prevent spread of diseases​

  • update us if ruru move in!​​

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Contact us at team@pfk.org.nz for your very own ruru nest box kit and a chance to host your very own ruru family in your backyard and download our ruru nest box info sheet. You can also follow our ruru nest box instructions on the info sheet to build your own nest box. Do let us know if you do so, and especially when the ruru move in!​​​​

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Other ways you can help ruru

If you don't have suitable habitat on your property, here are some other ways you can help:

  • Trapping for rats and possums on your property is one of the best things you can do to help ruru and other native wildlife. 

  • Volunteer to look after a trap line in your local reserve

  • Have good woodworking skills? We might need help building more nest boxes!

Contact us at team@pfk.org.nz to volunteer and get involved or for traps and trapping advice. 

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