Predator control pays off  

Volunteer guardians at Whatipu are ensuring that New Zealand’s native birds and plants have a fighting chance of survival.

From the 2010 Annual Report
Through restoration of bush margins, weed and predator control, Friends of Whatipu aim to nurture, preserve and improve the natural heritage contained in the Whatipu  Scientific Reserve, on the west coast of Auckland.

The 75 volunteers have planted thousands of trees in the past six years and they maintain a predator control zone to stop reinvasion.

This year there were three confirmed pairs of dotterel established in the Whatipu area and five chicks fledged – the best results since the project started seven years ago. Meanwhile six oystercatcher nests were monitored and five chicks were raised.

“Overall it’s been a great summer for the dotterels and a steady year for  oystercatchers,” ” says project leader Darryl Jeffries. “The predator control in the dunes and forest behind seems to be paying off, with better success for all the birds in general each year.”

ASB Community Trust’s strategy for the environment sector is to support projects and organisations that protect and enhance the environment in which we live. Friends of Whatipu, with its regular planting days, beach clean-ups, guided walks and educational weekends, is well aligned with the Trust’s strategy.

http://groups.google.co.nz/group/whatipu