Plea for more protection
‘‘We really need the Waikanae community to open its eyes to biodiversity on our doorstep.’’
Local bird spotters, community groups and government agencies are using a rare visitor to the Waikanae Estuary to highlight the need for the local community to take more responsibility for the health of the estuary.
A lost black tern turned up on the beach recently, causing a huge stir among bird watchers.
Te Papa bird expert Colin Miskelly said our nearest neighbour Australia had recorded only three sightings.
It was probably visiting from North America but experts said they could not be sure how or why the tern was visiting Waikanae.
The tern was among a roosting flock of about 500 whitefronted terns.
Miskelly says that ‘‘despite the pressures of encroaching urbanism, including far too many dogs’’ on the beach, Waikanae is the most important estuary for birds in the Wellington region south of the Manawatu Estuary.
Waikanae Estuary Care Group chairperson Robin Gunston agrees humans have left the estuary’s wildlife on a knife’s edge. ‘‘Each year, with DOC’s support, we fence off nesting areas, but fight an ongoing battle to keep dogs, horses, motorbikes, quad bikes, trucks, fires and more at bay. We really need the Waikanae community to open its eyes to biodiversity on our doorstep, that they are putting at risk.’’
DOC community ranger Steve Bielby says wildlife in the estuary was affected by floods late last year but it is humans that are having the biggest negative impact.
‘‘We really need Waikanae community awareness and help to halt declining values, including by walking their dogs and driving their vehicles elsewhere.’’