Kawau tikitiki. Photo: Brian D. Bell. Crown Copyright 1966, Department of Conservation.
Wellington is lucky to have nearly 40 species of native birds living along its urban coastline, but with more than half of these under threat, their nesting habitats must be looked after, says an ecologist.
An annual bird survey of 55km of Te Whanganui-a-Tara coastline from Petone Beach to Oteranga Bay has identified four key areas essential for the survival of indigenous coastal bird populations.
Wellington City Council urban ecology manager Daniela Biaggio said the survey also showed the capital was "a vital refuge" to 37 native bird species, "which is pretty amazing for the national capital".
However, 20 of those species were classified as threatened or at risk.
"It's really important to balance our urban life with caring for these taonga species."
The four key areas identified by the survey are Oruaiti Reserve on the Miramar Peninsula, Taputeranga Motu in Island Bay, Wellington's south coast and the southern end of Wellington's international airport runway.
Biaggio said they supported rare breeding colonies and critical nesting habitats for species like the spotted shag and banded dotterel.
"For example, Taputeranga [motu in Island Bay] is one of the key breeding area for matuku moana - the reef heron," she added.
"Twenty percent of the region's reef heron population breeds on that small island, so these places are really, really important places for us to care for our birds."
Wellington City Council urban ecology manager Daniela Biaggio. Photo: Supplied/Wellington City Council
Biaggio said the survey did more than identify habitats.
"How we care for coastal birds goes beyond these key areas. Lots of things that we wouldn't normally think of as important can provide habitats.
"Old infrastructure, such as piers and marinas, can also be strongholds for perching places for breeding birds."
Locals and visitors could help protect the region's unique biodiversity by understanding and respecting the city's natural spaces, she added.
"Whether you're visiting for a scenic view, on a fishing trip or just enjoying the coast, taking care to minimise disturbance to these bird habitats goes a long way to preserving Wellington's coastal bird populations for generations to come.
"Human disturbance from off-road vehicles, fishing and other activities threatens sensitive breeding grounds, especially for ground-nesting birds.
"The last remaining important breeding areas for our native coastal manu are areas with limited access, ruggedness and remoteness which tells us that with a bit more care in how we share the coast with this taonga species we may be rewarded and encounter them more often."
The four key essential areas are:
- Oruaiti Reserve on the Miramar Peninsula is home to Wellington's only mainland nesting colony of the kawau tikitiki (spotted shag)
- Taputeranga Motu in Island Bay is a key breeding area for the rare matuku moana (reef heron), hosting about 20 percent of the region's reef heron population
- Wellington's south coast (from Oteranga Bay to Te Rimurapa) supports important populations of pohowera (banded dotterel) and pīhoihoi (New Zealand pipit), representing eight percent and 13 percent of the regional totals respectively
- The southern end of Wellington's international airport runway - the gravelly foreshore provides the only breeding habitat for pohowera (banded dotterels) on the city's eastern coast
Submissions are now open on Tātou ki Uta - the council's draft Coastal Reserves Management Plan until 5 August.
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