Feathers of contention : social constructions of the New Zealand pigeon/kereru

Abstract

Commonly when areas are set aside to protect forest areas and wildlife, local communities lose or retain only a limited number of traditional rights to harvest resources. In recent years there has been an increasing interest in indigenous and local knowledge systems such as traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). Increasing numbers of indigenous and local communities seek to actively participate in and manage natural resources. Although they may share similar goals with conservationists and resource managers, reasons for doing so may differ. It is important to understand the different reasons people have in conserving and protecting resources. Understanding of different worldviews may enable more equitable methods of environmental management that integrate current forms of conservation and indigenous practices of sustainable use. This thesis attempts to bridge the division between the ecological and social issues within wildlife management and investigates a case study of the New Zealand pigeon or kereru (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae).

The kereru plays an important role in New Zealand forests as it is the only extant native bird able to disperse the large seeds of certain native trees. Numerous in the early 19th century, heavy hunting pressure, habitat loss, and the introduction of exotic predators reduced kereru populations. Protected in 1922, the kereru is illegally hunted. In recent years, Maori have requested they be able to resume customary harvest of native species, such as kereru, for certain occasions. Research conducted implies kereru harvesting at present is unsustainable because populations are considered too small. However, kereru populations are known to be variable though out the country.

Although kereru are not managed specifically, many communities and iwi (tribes) participate in various activities such as predator control that aim to increase kereru numbers. Anecdotal information implies that some populations have increased. As local communities and iwi continue to actively participate in kereru management, different perceptions of the bird based on knowledge held by such communities will become more apparent. This thesis proposes that contemporary resource management strategies would benefit from the inclusion and use of TEK. The thesis uses social construction theory to investigate the different perceptions New Zealanders have of kereru and its management, based on a variety of materials and interviews. The thesis concludes that an understanding of the different perceptions people have of kereru will foster greater understanding of the reasons communities undertake ecological activities. The thesis shows that a combination of scientific information, TEK, and local knowledge can play an important role in gaining data on local kereru populations, enabling better management strategies for specific populations.