The
behaviour of drivers on Onoke Spit during the current
breeding season of the rare Caspian tern has been applauded
by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
Wairarapa Area
biodiversity programme manager Bruce Vander Lee said vehicle
tracks at the spit, in south Wairarapa, revealed that
drivers were making an effort to avoid the tern colony.
“They’ve been using the beach when possible, and
staying on established tracks - exactly the type of
behaviour we’re trying to encourage. It shows that
responsible vehicle use on the spit does not compromise the
protected and threatened native species there.”
Signage
and cones have been installed on the spit to advise drivers
of the conservation values of the area, and how they can
avoid disturbing them.
DOC is working with Friends of
Onoke Spit, Palliser Estate Wines, and Wharekauhau Lodge to
protect and restore sensitive habitats on the spit. In
addition to pest control and planting native species, these
groups recently erected a new fence to protect a vulnerable
dune area.
Coordinator of Friends of Onoke Spit Denise
MacKenzie says “It’s great that the community is
involved in protecting the spit and restoring this unique
and important ecosystem in the Wairarapa.”
Through the
help of the community and volunteers, DOC is confident Onoke
Spit will continue to be a safe habitat for Caspian terns
and other important native
species. –Ends–
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