Conservation
Urban Ark
The Zoo's Urban Ark project is all about leading by example - using our place 'the Zoo' to develop and implement an urban restoration programme.
The 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 and weed control 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?
- 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: Make sure you only
attract birds if you live in a cat free area!