Page 12 - 2008 NZ SUB ANTARCTIC ISLANDS - SMARTPHONE

The living fossil, the iguana-like reptile, the tuatara, has also been reintroduced to
Sanctuary Valley and is also thriving here. The creature has been present on New
Zealand since the Age of the Dinosaurs but human destruction of its habitat, hunting,
predation by mammals with loss of eggs and young had long ago put the creature on the
endangered animal list. Its success here is somewhat qualified if the definition of true
return to a former lifestyle means a freedom of movement such as the birds enjoy, for the
tuatara lives in the protected area and is not allowed to leave the confines of the fence.
However, as the numbers of surviving tuataras increases, the reptile is being relocated to
other predator free islands and sanctuaries.

We enjoyed this look at what conservation can achieve and were pleased to see so many of the
endangered birds and the wonderful tuatara. New Zealand’s birds are often colorful and always
interesting in their behaviors. Their songs are frequently melodious and strange. We also were
astounded at our first look at the tree weta, an enormous flightless New Zealand insect that can
measure up to 4 inches and weigh almost an ounce. They look rather like a cross between a
beetle and a katydid. Karori Wildlife Sanctuary provided us with our first look at an “island” of
restoration, conservation and protection—although it is a city sanctuary. What a wonderful
introduction to a New Zealand whose conservation vision works on a 500-year optimistic plan! It
is important to report that the private sanctuary also operates under the auspices, with the support,
and in compliance with DOC.

Chapter 5. Marlborough Sounds Maritime Park

Part of the waters dividing the North and South Islands, the Marlborough Sounds are drowned
valley systems resulting from subsidence in the earth’s crust probably in conjunction with
earthquakes and other plate tectonic movements. The coast is deeply indented by long sea
corridors so frequently that this area accounts for 15% of total New Zealand coastline.
Interspersed between the open water and the mainland are many small islands that have become
the last bastions for so many of the beleaguered NZ bird species. These bits of land and some of
the more pristine of the mainland native forest stands are managed and monitored by DOC.
Many of the birds were surviving only in such small areas after having gone extinct on the
mainland. Now these preserves are the nursery for these birds who nest here but whose offspring
are often moved to other safe places once DOC as rendered them predator-free. Some of the
islands can be visited under strict guidelines; others are restricted and only DOC scientists and
workers may visit them. Some of the mainland forests are handled the same way.

Jacob’s Bay

We were privileged to visit three sites in this Park. We took a long and very wet walk just above
the coast at Jacob’s Bay. This area is not pristine nor is it predator-free. However, DOC is
working in the area to protect the native trees and plants with the hope that birds and insects will
return as their native habitat regenerates. Efforts are also being directed towards controlling the
predators. The brushtail possum is the most destructive pest here. There is no real promise of a
completely pest-free environment in this place since the area is much too expansive to use
fencing such as that employed in Karori. So the focus here is the plants, but even some of them
can be harmed or killed by exotic insects and mammals.

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