Waihi North Project: Assessment of Terrestrial Ecological Values & Effects 62138 WNP AEE 48 Species recorded during the targeted NZ pipit survey and the average number recorded from fiveminute counts (n=3) are shown in Table 18 (E = endemic species; N = native species; the remainder are introduced). A total of 16 species was recorded – one endemic (grey warbler), five native and 10 introduced. The avifauna was dominated by introduced species; those most abundant species were, in decreasing order, Australian magpie, starling, chaffinch and goldfinch, followed by eastern rosella. The average number of endemic/native species was 2.20 per count compared with 5.60 introduced species per count (chi-squared = 1.5; not significant) however a significantly higher average number of introduced individuals (12.27 per count) were recorded compared with endemic/native individuals (1.26 per count); chi-squared = 8.9 : p<0.01; a significant difference. No species of conservation concern were recorded, and none would be anticipated on a regular basis based in the habitat types present. No NZ pipit were observed utilising the site although the occasional presence of the NZ pipit cannot be discounted because of its recorded use of the nearby TSF1A area. NZ pipit (and At-Risk NZ dotterel) can also be expected to utilise the proposed TSF3 at various stages of its development and operation. If anything, the outcome of the establishment of TSF3 could be positive for NZ pipit and NZ dotterel. “Pipits probably benefitted initially from forest clearance, but have declined in density as land-use has intensified. Heavily grazed pasture and drained wetlands hold fewer pipits than rough pasture with patches of fern and marshes or bogs. Pipits have declined from drought-prone regions, and have disappeared from many islands where rats are present” (www.nzbirdsonline.org.nz). 5.3.1.2.4 Bats Large pine trees, pōhutukawa and tree ferns with dense skirts within the TSF3 footprint within the SNA 166 southern fragment may provide roost opportunities for long-tailed bats. However, surveys (December and January 2011, 2017) at TSF3 did not record any long-tailed bats and given their absence from recent surveys and throughout the surrounding landscape (Wildlands 2009), they are not considered likely to be present within the TSF3 area, even on an intermittent basis. 5.3.1.3 ECOLOGICAL VALUE OF SNA 166 The Hauraki District Plan and the supporting report (Kessels 2010) do not state which criteria were relied on to determine the significance classification of SNA 166. There is some speculation that it was related to an ecological contextual aspect, namely a network / stepping stone function, supporting species moving west-east from the DOC forests west of the site to the coastal forests east and not a representative, rarity or diversity aspect (Moko skink was not known at the site at that time). Other than its identification by Kessels (2010) as part of a desktop analysis, no ecological values assessment has been published on SNA 166 until now. Here, each of the four vegetation assemblage elements are assessed individually and then the combined feature is valued as a whole. This approach is considered appropriate as the proposed activity does not affect the whole or even a large proportion of the SNA, nor every vegetation assemblage found within the SNA. In terms of representativeness, the feature is compared with species lists of Druce (1974-1990) of the Kauaeronga valley (Thames) and of Boase and Beadel (1988) at Mount Te Aroha. These references provide the guide to good regenerating forest types over a range of landforms in the general area and are the only such lists we located in the literature (Plant conservation network). Those references suggest that quality forest complexes have between 400 and 500 taxa, comprised of between 10 and 15 gymnosperms, 66 Dicotyledon trees, 5 monocot trees, 80-90 Dicotyledon shrubs,
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