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            J Lux; S M Beadel 2006. Natural Areas of Otamatea Ecological District: reconnaissance survey report for the Protected Natural Area Program.  Wildlands Consultants Ltd.., Whangarei, NZ.

        

            

                Title:

            

                Natural Areas of Otamatea Ecological District: reconnaissance survey report for the Protected Natural Area Program.  Wildlands Consultants Ltd. 
            

        

        

            

                Author(s):

            

                J Lux; S M Beadel 
            

        

        

            

                Year Published:

            

                2006 
            

        

        

            

                Publisher:

            

                 
            

        

        

            

                Publisher Location:

            

                 
            

        

        

            

                Publication Type:

            

                Report 
            

        

        

            

                Abstract:

            

                This report forms part of a series of reconnaissance survey reports for the
Protected Natural Areas Programme (PNAP) in the Northland Conservancy of
the Department of Conservation. It describes the significant natural areas of the
Otamatea Ecological District within Northland Conservancy, and was surveyed
during the summer of 2005/06. There has been no previous comprehensive
survey and review of ecological information of this geographical area. This
report therefore provides a significant information resource for the Department
of Conservation, iwi, landowners, Kaipara District Council, Northland Regional
Council, resource management planners, interest groups, and the general
public to help conserve natural areas.
The Northland Conservancy part of Otamatea Ecological District is a
geologically diverse landscape of low rolling hills dissected by three inner arms
of the northern Kaipara Harbour. On land, much of the original vegetation
cover and wildlife habitat has been lost; however, the estuarine habitats are still
relatively intact. Calm, mangrove-filled inlets, extensive mudflats, and small
remnants of diverse coastal forest characterise the gentle, estuarine nature of
this part of the Ecological District. The shallow intertidal areas are essential
winter feeding grounds for many New Zealand waders, which migrate within
New Zealand, as well as for large flocks of transequatorial migrant birds resident
over summer.
This study provides an objective assessment of the elements of nature that
remain, protected and unprotected, their value as representative examples of
our natural heritage, and their relative ecological significance. The focus of the
Protected Natural Areas Programme is to provide this information and guidance.
The challenge then is for the community to work collaboratively to protect and
enhance these natural areas.
The Otamatea (Northland Conservancy) PNAP survey report was prepared by
Wildland Consultants Ltd under contract to the Department of Conservation. 
            

        

        

            

                Long Term Objectives:

            

                 
            

        

        

            

                Keywords:

            

                Ecological surveys--New Zealand--Northland Region--Otamatea Ecological District (NZ)--Kaipara--Biogeophysical