Dynamics of kanuka (Kunzea ericoides) forest on south Kaipara Spit, New Zealand, and the impact of fallow deer (Dama dama) Journal Paper
- Author
- Smale, M.C.; Hall, G.M.J.; Gardner, R.O.
- Year
- 1995
- Journal / Source
- New Zealand Journal of Ecology
- Volume
- 19
- Number
- 2
- Pages
- 131-141
- Summary
- Manaia Ecological District (ED) covers c.6,444 ha, comprising most of the area known as the Whangarei Heads. It adjoins Whangarei ED to the west and Whangaruru ED to the north. In 1996 it was recognised as a distinct ecological district (Brook 1996). It is characterised by the spectacular formations of Bream Head and Mt. Manaia, which support some of the finest examples of coastal forest remaining in the North Island. Bream Head Scenic Reserve and Surrounds (Q07/074) and Manaia Ridge Scenic Reserve and Surrounds (Q07/069) are the most significant ecological features of Manaia ED. Proportionately, Manaia ED has the greatest length of coastline of any ecological district in Northland, with its sheltered, rocky bays to the west contrasting with the extensive dunelands and sandfields of Ocean Beach Recreation Reserve (Q07/075) in the east. Twenty-seven natural areas of ecological significance covering c.2,736 ha (42.5% of the ED) were identified from a field reconnaissance survey undertaken from 1997-1999, and in September 2009, together with information from existing databases and reports. These natural areas comprise forest (c.1,834.8 ha; 67%), shrubland (c.531.1 ha; 19%), duneland/ sandfield (c.251.6 ha; 9%), freshwater wetland (c.42.2 ha; 1.5%), rockland (c.32.3 ha; 1.2%), and estuarine habitat (c.9.8 ha; < 0.1%). Manaia ED contains a high diversity of indigenous flora and fauna, including one locally endemic plant species. There are high numbers of rare or threatened species in the ED, as well as rare ecosystem types. At present, 'Threatened' species include six plants, ten birds, three land snail taxa, one spider, three lizards, and one fish. 'At Risk' species include 27 plants, 17 birds, three land snail taxa (including one endemic species), three lizards, and three other terrestrial invertebrates, There are also a further 83 regionally significant species, which are considered rare or threatened in Northland (72 plant, five bird, five reptile, and one fish species). Manaia ED is a stronghold for North Island brown kiwi, with key areas of forest and shrubland forming part of the Whangarei Kiwi Sanctuary. Intensive predator trapping, translocations and advocacy by the Whangarei Heads Landcare Forum and Department of Conservation have seen the local kiwi population reach approximately 300 birds. The survival rate of wild-fledged kiwi chicks has increased, which together with call-count monitoring suggests that sustained predator control is working. Coastal forests and shrublands are the dominant vegetation types in Manaia ED, but natural communities on gumland soils and coastal dunes, which are nationally rare ecosystem types, are also an important feature. Freshwater wetlands are poorly represented in the ED, and most have become degraded following the invasion of weeds such as Mexican devil. Wetlands, however, provide habitat for several threatened bird species and form an important part of a greater habitat network outside the ED, particularly around the Taiharuru River system to the north. vi Virtually all natural areas in Manaia ED are of significant conservation and ecological value. Due to the presence of endemic1 species, threatened species, rare ecosystem types, and outstanding examples of coastal forest, several natural areas of Manaia ED are of national ecological significance. Approximately 52% of the extent of natural areas identified are formally protected. Priorities for protection in Manaia ED include: the formal protection of (i) Taurikura Ridge Bush (Q07/073); (ii) coastal shrubland in the north-west of the ED (which includes The Nook); (iii) an excellent example of gumland located within McDonald Coastal Shrubland (Q07/068); (iv) important wetlands such as Kerr Road Swamp (Q07/076) and Harambee Road Swamp Q07/172); and (v) the protection of critical buffers and linkages.
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