Conservation
Urban Ark
Conservation is at the heart of everything we do at Auckland Zoo. Our mission is to be strong advocates for animals and their habitats, and to lead by example.
That is where our Urban
Ark project comes in. This project's key aim is to reduce the
impact of pest species on our native wildlife and plants - right
here in the 17ha that make up our Zoo grounds, and in neighbouring
properties.
Looking at what is around us, identifying what is good, and what is not good is the first step. The next step is to make a plan to discourage pests, and to encourage the animal and plant species we want.
Why is restoring the balance important?
New Zealand plants and
animals developed alongside each other in the absence of mammals.
As a result, they are unique and many are found nowhere else on
earth.
Among the threats to our native species are many introduced
species. Animals like possums, rats and hedgehogs eat native eggs,
chicks and birds, lizards, snails, seeds and plants. Some
introduced plants, like honeysuckle and ladder fern, grow so well
in New Zealand that they compete with our native plants.
Here at the Zoo, we are well on the way to reducing pests, with
extensive trapping greatly reducing the number of rats, mice and
hedgehogs, and are active in removing pest plants.
A lot of work is done by
Zoo volunteers. These great people help our pest control
coordinator monitor for pest species, both here at the Zoo
and in neighbouring properties - trapping pest animals, removing
wasp nests, and weeding out pest plants. We also work with other
organisations like the Department of
Conservation on projects like the restoration of Rangitoto
Island and the Ark
in the Park project in Auckland's Waitakere Ranges.
Be an Urban Ark ranger too!
Everyone can be part of
the Urban Ark project, and become an Urban Ark ranger. Start by
having a look in your home garden. What do you see? Do you know
what plants are growing there? Is your garden host to lizards,
stick insects, birds, and weta? Do rats, mice, and hedgehogs visit
your garden?
Fun ideas for home and the bach
- You can make a
monitoring tunnel out of old milk bottles, some white paper, black
vinyl, and a few other recycled materials from around the home -
animal footprints will tell you who's around! Click here for a
step-by-step guide on how to make your monitoring
tunnel.
- Hang
a weta motel or two in your garden.
- Encourage birds into your garden by filling a shallow container
with water. On a hot summer day, birds will enjoy a bath or a
drink. You can also make a simple bird feeder (like the one
pictured) by putting nails into a log to place fruit on, and
smaller nails for birds to perch on, and hang from a tree branch by
a chain.
Note: only attract birds if you live in a cat free area!
If you are interested in being a volunteer at Auckland Zoo, click here.