My Account
By Ngaire Wallen
The recent announcement of the formation of an extensive marine reserve around the Kermadec Islands is a welcome step forward in the management of our marine estate. The local reserve at Goat Island is the oldest in the world. Having been continually monitored since its formation, there is a wealth of scientific evidence of the crucial role such reserves have in the restoration of marine environments, not least of which is serving as a nursery site for the repopulation of the surrounding seas.
Land-based reserves also underpin many restoration efforts, particularly of endangered plant and animal species. After being on the receiving end for the last 13 years, Tawharanui Open Sanctuary is now in a position to be able to give to other sanctuaries.
Whiteheads – popokatea – were translocated to Tawharanui in 2007. These little birds are fairly inconspicuous; you are more likely to hear their continual chatter before you see them, generally in small flocks, flitting through the bush canopy that is their natural habitat. By the late 1800s they disappeared from the northern North Island as land clearance and predators left populations stranded in pockets of bush; they do not willingly fly across open ground.
Given the strength of our whitehead population we were pleased to be able to support the Shakespear Open Sanctuary by agreeing to provide 20 whiteheads to become part of a new breeding population. This was the first translocation into Shakespear since completion of their predator-proof fence. Reports confirm that the capture went uneventfully and the birds were successfully released the same day, along with 40 from Tiritiri Matangi.
The intent was always that Tawharanui would become a source for new populations of endangered species. Ideally this would be a managed process. In the case of pateke and kakariki, both introduced at great expense, they have made their own new territories outside the fence. Kaka and bellbirds, which returned to the mainland unaided after the predator-proof fence was constructed, are now seen all over the Takatu Peninsular.
Land-based sanctuaries are enhanced by support from neighbouring landowners creating buffer zones. There are many organised volunteer initiatives in our area, as well as individual property owners who trap predators and chop down weeds. Preservation of our biodiversity requires the entire range of conservation effort; TOSSI is just one way of doing it. We are always happy to share our experiences with people seeking to learn about the conservation of plants and animals, and welcome anyone who is interested to join us.
The next workday is Sunday November 1, 9:00am at the Woolshed.
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