Te Apiti-manawatū Gorge to get a protection boost this spring
The forest and wildlife of Te Apiti Manawatū Gorge are battling for survival.
Every day, rats and possums kill birds and other native animals, and browse on forest plants. Monitoring shows that rat and possum numbers in Te Apiti - Manawatū Gorge are currently too high to sustain forest health or allow successful breeding by forest birds.
Bait stations and community trapping projects have been used to control pests in the gorge where walking access allows. Unfortunately, due to the steep terrain, ground-based methods can’t provide adequate protection from rats and possums.
This spring, the Department of Conservation (DOC) will boost ground-based efforts to reduce predator numbers with aerial pesticide application.
Allanah Irvine, DOC Operations Manager Manawatu District, believes Te Apiti – Manawatū Gorge is a place worthy of our best efforts to protect it.
“The Manawatū Gorge is one of the most wellrecognised geographical features in the region. People from across the lower North Island come here to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature. Taonga species such as tītipounamu (riflemen), kārearea (NZ falcon), kererū (NZ wood pigeon), giant maidenhair fern and northern rata are found here.”
“With this operation we are committing to effective suppression of small mammal pests across the whole site,” says Ms Irvine.
The road closure presents a unique opportunity to treat both sides of the reserve at once, using aerial application of sodium fluoroacetate (1080), at a time when birds are most vulnerable to predation.
Bruce Gordon, spokesperson for Te Apiti Manawatū Gorge Governance Group says there is strong support from the group to protect the forest and birdlife in Te Apiti – Manawatū Gorge.
“Te Apiti – Manawatū Gorge is an asset for the region. Protecting the health of its forest and wildlife is our collective duty. We need to use the best tools available to ensure we are doing that effectively. We are confident that the planned pest control operation is the best option available at this time to help restore forest ecology and native bird populations.”
Ms Irvine concurs. “There are multiple tools for predator control in New Zealand, of which 1080 is one. Biodegradable aerial 1080 is the most effective tool we have for suppressing rats, possums and stoats in one operation over large, difficult to access areas. It is currently the safest, most practicable and costeffective tool we have for pest control at this site.”
Aerial sowing of baits using helicopters with modern global positioning systems (GPS) ensures baits are distributed appropriately and sensitive areas can be excluded. Ground-based methods will complement the aerial operation in accessible, high-use places, such as the Tawa Loop Walk.
Monitoring data shows that aerial 1080 operations are effective at protecting our taonga species, returning birdsong to our wild spaces and increasing reptile populations. Reduced browsing pressures on ecosystems allows threatened plants to make a comeback, increasing biodiversity and resilience.