Drivers sought after gulls killed
Several rare birds are dead after a group of motorcyclists and fourwheel-drivers rode through a colony of nesting black-billed gulls in North Canterbury last week.
Environment Canterbury (ECan) chairwoman Jenny Hughey said the motorists killed
10 birds nesting in the Ashley Rakahuri Regional Park.
‘‘This is extremely disappointing and unacceptable behaviour, and we are exploring what our enforcement options are.’’
The black-billed gull is the most threatened gull species in the world and is considered nationally critical by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
‘‘These beautiful birds are unique to New Zealand, mainly breeding on South Island braided rivers,’’ Hughey said.
With current trends, they could decline about 70 per cent further over the next 30 years. However, this year had been a successful breeding season in the colony, she said.
Grant Davey, a member of the Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group, said this year was the second-largest black-billed gull colony on the Ashley River in
20 years.
‘‘The 1278 nests have produced approximately the same number of fledglings [flying chicks] – this is a very good outcome.’’
He was ‘‘outraged’’ by several incidents where people had ploughed through the colony at speed – some of which had been caught on trail cameras and one he witnessed first-hand.
‘‘We had cameras set up for predators, but they have not been as much of a problem as people.
‘‘It is so disappointing to see after all the work that has been done by us and ECan – blocking off access to the river, putting up signs and the education that goes into it.’’
Other species in the area, such as the black-fronted tern and banded dotterel, were also in danger of being killed by the drivers, he said.
Hughey said the nesting area had been cordoned off since September
to protect the colony and would reopen in two weeks when the birds had fledged.
‘‘We monitor the area closely, and there is signage installed along the river advising park users about the nesting area, and concrete blocks are installed at entry points to deter vehicles,’’ she said
‘‘The measures we, and the Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group, have taken this season have been largely successful and the majority of park users have been respectful and avoided this area.’’
The nesting areas are protected by the Wildlife Act, which is administered by DOC.
DOC North Canterbury operations manager Kingsley Timpson said the department was investigating reports of multiple vehicles driving through the Ashley River colony.
‘‘It is unacceptable for people to drive through colonies of this threatened bird . . . People driving through the area and disturbing the tara¯ puka has been an ongoing problem.
‘‘Anyone who disturbs blackbilled gulls and/or their nests can be convicted with penalties ranging from fines up to $100,000 and/or up to two years’ imprisonment.’’
Anyone who sees people disturbing the colonies should call 0800 324 636.