Habitat benefits aerial predator

This image of a kā rearea/NZ falcon, was taken by Hermann Frank at Ō rari Gorge.

It is part of the Ō rari Gorge: Nature’s Hidden Gem exhibition showing at the South Canterbury Museum. Hermann had observed a pair of kā rearea in the gorge and was able to get close enough to get this photograph. The continuing presence of these beautiful birds in the gorge highlights the value of this rugged landscape in providing a home for a wide range of native creatures and plants that have disappeared from areas closer to human habitation.

Kā rearea are smaller than the more familiar kā hu/harrier hawks that we often see around rural

South Canterbury. Kā rearea are aerial predators, using speed and agility to chase a variety of smaller birds, including some that are larger than themselves.

They are capable of flying at over 100kph. Kā rearea also have a reputation for fearlessness, particularly when defending their nests. Any intruders, including humans, will be mercilessly divebombed to drive them away.

Despite this, the ground-nesting kā rearea are at risk from attack by introduced predators such as cats, stoats and ferrets. These threats, along with habitat clearance by human settlement, have led to the population declining to about 3000-5000 breeding pairs.