Lucia Powrie

I spent a semester researching how design could best protect New Zealands threatened Endemic Birds. Through this, I identified a need for specified nest boxes for two species of cavity-nesting birds, Kakariki and Tieke. New Zealands birds have adapted to a unique climate with an abundance of safe habitat and without land-based predators. When humans arrived they disrupted this ecosystem, as a result, many birds have become extinct and most of those left are in trouble. While work is being done to eradicate predators on the mainland, those fledging from sanctuaries are still at risk. Cavity-nesting birds are particularly vulnerable as their nests provide no chance of escape during an attack. Therefore, I have designed a kitset, predator-proof nest box which protects cavity-nesting birds and their eggs from introduced mammalian predators. Additionally, they are designed to reduce the effects of temperature fluctuations and moisture build up through material selection and form. This design mimics a natural cavity, protecting the birds and allowing them to behave as they naturally would.