Protecting Our Taonga
Volunteering at Sanctuary mountain, helping the Save the Kiwi Project. Photo Credit Lucy Schulz
As a volunteer at Maungatautari sanctuary, I've witnessed firsthand the fascination and awe that visitors have for our native wildlife. People from all corners of the globe value our unique treasures, our taonga species, especially our birds and assume that we cherish them too.
Remember when British comedian John Oliver led the charge for the pūteketeke to win Bird of the Century last year? His campaign not only shed light on the threats facing our native birdlife but also rallied support from folks in 195 countries for Forest & Bird.
John Oliver champions the pūteketeke for Bird of the Century 2023 Photo credit: Screenshot
You've probably noticed that big news outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian often feature stories about our native birds. And did you catch actor Leonardo DiCaprio sharing news about The Capital Kiwi Project in Wellington with his whopping 62 million Instagram followers? It's clear our unique wildlife grabs attention worldwide.
Actor Leonardo DiCaprio shines a spotlight on kiwi conservation efforts on Instagram Photo Credit: Screenshot
Despite the significant attention our wildlife receives, there’s a big gap between public perception and reality. Some New Zealanders think our wildlife is thriving but studies like Biodiversity in Aotearoa 2020 tell a different story. While it's essential to celebrate the successful reintroduction of kiwi in Wellington, it's equally vital to acknowledge the ongoing biodiversity challenges across the country. Our national treasures remain under threat and need more concerted efforts from us all.
The encouraging news is, recent global research confirms that conservation actions, such as creating protected areas and controlling invasive species, can positively impact biodiversity. However, the challenge lies in scaling up these protective efforts to halt further biodiversity declines.
Some of our invasive threats: stoats, rats, ferrets & weasels. Photo Credit: J Morgan
Each of us has a role to play in protecting our wildlife. It’s easy to slip into complacency or think that our efforts are futile, but every action counts. One way to start is by making our own gardens and gullies more bird-friendly. Simple steps like keeping large trees, planting native shrubs and setting traps for pests can make a big difference. If you need help with pest control on your property, or have questions about what plants to add to your garden, don't hesitate to reach out! If we don’t have the answers, we’ll connect you with someone who does.
Every small action we each take adds up to the bigger picture: together, we're ensuring our native wildlife thrives for future generations.
