Sanctuary Mountain

We had an awesome day today up at sanctuary Mountain (Maungatautari). There was so much to learn and we were all really inspired to value and protect our endemic (native to NZ) plants and animals. It was fascinating learning about just how complex the journey is to saving our unique forests and wildlife.

Here are a few of the insights:

• 90% of the bush in New Zealand is endemic (only found in NZ).

Habitat loss

• We have lost 77% of the forest we used to have in NZ (see picture).
• We have lost 90% of the wetlands we used to have.
• A lot of the loss was due to deliberate burning with fire. The other main cause was introduced animals such as pigs, goats, cows, and possums.

Pests (Animals that are in the wrong place)

• Main pests include rabbits, possums, stoats, rats, cats, and weasels.
• For every 20 kiwi babies born 17 are killed by stoats.
• Rabbits were bought in to the country for hunting but their numbers got out of control. They considered bringing in foxes to get rid of them but decided on stoats. 
• The kiwi population is still in decline. The population is being reduced by 2% a year. That works out to be about 40 kiwi dying each week.

The Maungatautari project

• Biggest project of its kind in NZ.
• The exclusion fence cost 15 million dollars to make. 
• 47 km long.
• $6000 per day to run the project.

Tuatara (we managed to see a couple of these)

• This ancient animal predates Gondwana and the dinosaurs.
• It has unique body features - 3 eyes (one gets covered in scales when young), 2 sets of eyelids (for protection), no ear holes (but does have ear drums).
• 95% of the population are on one island. Efforts are being made to move some to another location in case of disasters such as a disease outbreak.

Takahe (the Sanctuary has 3 of these rare birds.)

• Can weigh up to 3.5 kg.
• Were thought to be extinct but have since been found.
• Flightless birds.