Environmental Action in Biodiversity and Biosecurity
Winner: Aparima River Restoration Project
Weed-infested gravel banks and deep, fast flowing water has meant river sites have been mostly unsuitable for native bird feeding and nesting and provide ideal habitat for predators.
An extensive trapping network, combined with almost 300 trapping devices targeting a wide range of predator species, has supported the reestablishment of the project site as a breeding habitat.
Since beginning this work, a notable increase in key species of birds at the restoration site has followed, demonstrating what can be achieved through the restoration of river sites.
Finalist: Department of Conservation Pukunui Southern NZ Dotterel Recovery Team
The four-strong recovery team, assisted by volunteers, is working hard to protect Pukunui.
Containing threats from predators is vital, with feral cats posing a huge threat to Pukunui and their breeding sites.
The recovery team traverse Rakiura Stewart Island to carry out extensive trapping.
As well as working hard to make a positive impact on the ground, the team is spreading awareness about the plight of Pukunui and the urgent need to maintain and then grow their numbers.
Finalist: Slope Point Restoration Project
While part of the block is within a QE2 covenant, the remainder has been approved and is awaiting final documentation.
Pest management at Slope Point focuses on possum control with more than 100 working traps installed.
Pest plant control is carried out with a particular focus on the containment and removal Darwin's barberry which is with the entire forest needs to be continually patrolling for seedlings of this pest plant.
