DOCSLIB.ORG

Appendix G. Ecology Assessment

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Appendix G. Ecology Assessment Notice of Requirement, Resource Consent Application and Assessment of Environmental Effects Appendix G. Ecology Assessment 7 Assessment of Ecological Effects: Tūhonohono ki Tai / Matakana Link Project October 2018 Assessment of Ecological Effects: Tūhonohono ki Tai / Matakana Link Project October 2018 DOCUMENT APPROVAL Assessment of Ecological Effects: Tūhonohono ki Tai / Matakana Link Document title: Project Prepared for: Auckland Transport Version: Draft 5 Date: 9 October 2018 Document name: 22074358_5.docx Mark Delaney M.Sc. (Hons) Authors: Senior Freshwater Sarah Killick M.Sc. (Hons) Botany Chris Wedding M.Sc. (Hons) Senior Terrestrial Graham Don M.Sc. (Hons) Reviewer: Senior Consulting Ecologist Chris Wedding M.Sc. (Hons) Approved for Release: Manager – Ecological Services/Business Unit REVISION HISTORY Rev. No. Date Description December 1 Draft 1 2017 December 2 Draft 2 2017 3 January 2018 Draft 3 02 March 4 Draft 4 2018 18 October 5 Draft 5 2018 Reference: Bioresearches (2018). Assessment of Ecological Effects: Tūhonohono ki Tai / Matakana Link Project. Report for Auckland Transport. pp 79 Cover Illustration: Canopy and sub canopy vegetation, 245 Matakana Road, Warkworth. Contents 1. Introduction ...................................................................................................... 4 Staged Approach ................................................................................................... 4 Project Area and Assessments .............................................................................. 4 2. Terrestrial Ecology ............................................................................................ 6 2.1 Assessment Methodology ......................................................................... 6 2.2 Existing Terrestrial Environment and Values .......................................... 11 2.3 Assessment of Effects ............................................................................. 21 2.4 Mitigation Measures ............................................................................... 26 3. Freshwater Ecology ......................................................................................... 29 3.1 Assessment Methodology ....................................................................... 29 3.2 Existing Freshwater Environments and Values ....................................... 32 3.3 Assessment of Effects ............................................................................. 50 3.4 Mitigation Measures and Recommendations ......................................... 53 4. Summary ......................................................................................................... 55 5. REFERENCES .................................................................................................... 58 6. APPENDICES .................................................................................................... 61 1. INTRODUCTION Auckland Transport (AT) has commissioned Bioresearches to prepare an assessment of ecological effects of the proposed alignment and designation for the staged construction, operation and maintenance of a new road known as the Tūhonohono ki Tai / the Matakana Link Road Project (the Project). The Project provides a Warkworth bypass for traffic between the State Highway 1 (SH1) motorway) and Matakana and beyond. Staged Approach AT are seeking a designation for the construction of the entire Project, which will occur in stages. Generally speaking, Stage 1 will provide two general traffic lanes and a shared path on one side of the road. Stage 1 is proposed to be implemented to align with the opening of NZTA’s P2Wk project. Stage 2 is currently anticipated to be implemented between 2036 and 2046, when traffic demand exceeds Stage 1’s capacity. This will involve the widening of the road to accommodate four general traffic lanes and upgrading the berm to separated walking and cycling facilities on both sides of the road. It is understood that the majority vegetation removal and earthworks, to accommodate Stage 2 would be undertaken in Stage 1. Project Area and Assessments 1.1.1 Previous assessments and Options analysis Previous assessments of eight long list and four short list route options favoured the proposed route from an ecological basis, considering both terrestrial and freshwater values. The proposed Project Area avoids kauri trees, as well as a Significant Ecological Area (SEA) and QEII covenant to the south. It also avoids a greater number of watercourse crossings to the north of the proposed construction boundary. 1.1.2 Proposed Project Area The Project area generally covers an area of managed pasture grass and a block of riparian vegetation associated with the main Mahurangi tributary to the north-east (Project Area, Figure 1). Freshwater and terrestrial ecological assessments were undertaken within the Project Area and these included complete, targeted surveys associated with terrestrial flora and fauna, as well as Stream Ecological Valuations (SEVs). Terrestrial ecology assessments generally focused on the riparian vegetation of the main Mahurangi tributary, where flora and fauna habitat values were considered to be greatest. Managed pasture may provide some terrestrial habitat values and entire site walkovers were undertaken over the course of the assessment to ensure a complete assessment of the Project Area. Figure 1. Overview of Project Area – Supplied by Jacobs. 2. TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY 2.1 Assessment Methodology 2.1.1 Vegetation A preliminary site assessment was undertaken on 26 April 2017 to provide an overview of the potential site options for the Project. Following this, a detailed vegetation assessment was conducted on 30 October 2017, to assess the vegetation present within the Project Area. Vegetation was inventoried using a qualitative walk-through (Rapid Assessment) method (Rose, 2012) and categorized by ecosystem type using the national (Singers & Rogers, 2014) and Auckland-specific (Singers et al., 2017) terrestrial classification systems. Canopy trees within the Project Area were measured at diameter at breast height (DBH). Where such trees had a DBH greater than 20 cm, these were recorded and georeferenced to assist with any mitigation calculations, where appropriate. 2.1.1.1 Kauri Dieback Species known to show potential susceptibility to kauri dieback (PTA) were checked for symptoms. Any symptomatic trees and all kauri (including non-symptomatic trees) present within the proposed area were sampled for PTA presence. Sampling used soil taken from 1m uphill of the tree trunk, as per the methods described by Singh et al. (2017) and tested by SCION laboratories using the baiting method. 2.1.2 Fauna Targeted fauna surveys were undertaken for indigenous lizards and long-tailed bats while opportunistic surveys were undertaken for native invertebrates and avifauna. Eight site visits were undertaken to service survey equipment and undertake fauna searches and observations. Specific survey methods are described in this section and mapped in Figure 2. All fauna surveys were undertaken over November-December, to coincide with the summer period within which lizards and bats are considered most conspicuous. Figure 2. Survey equipment and search areas within Tūhonohono ki Tai / the Matakana Link Project Area. 2.1.2.1 Invertebrates The site was visited on eight occasions by a terrestrial ecologist, during which time opportunistic habitat searches were undertaken for native invertebrates. Searches were undertaken within the main Mahurangi riparian vegetation (including two night-time visits) and involved lifting logs and leaf litter, where invertebrates are likely to be found. 2.1.2.2 Frogs Desktop investigations involved a review of the Department of Conservation’s Amphibian and Reptile Distribution Scheme (ARDS) database (accessed March 2017), and as well as an analysis of aerial and topographic imagery for the presence of first and second order streams, where potential habitat is most likely. Streams where potential habitat was potentially present were surveyed for frog presence. All frog habitat assessments and searches were undertaken by an experienced herpetologist (WA 37604-FAU). All footwear and equipment was sanitised using Trigene prior to survey. 2.1.2.3 Lizards Desktop investigations involved a review of the Department of Conservation’s ARDS database (accessed November 2016), as well as an analysis of aerial and topographic imagery for the presence of tracks and vegetation cover to plan survey design and spatial coverage. All vegetated areas that were identified as potentially supporting habitat for indigenous lizards were visited to undertake a qualitative habitat description. Where potential habitats supported logs or other debris that could be lifted, searches of these habitats were undertaken. Pitfall trap survey A survey was undertaken using twenty live-capture, baited pitfall traps, in accordance with the Department of Conservation best practice (Hare 2012). Pitfall traps are suitable for capturing terrestrial skinks, although are unlikely to detect the gecko species identified in Table 2. Traps were installed within native forest vegetation, its interfaces with scrub or open edges and baited with fish- based cat food to maximise encounter opportunities with skinks. All traps were furnished with native leaf litter, covered to provide shelter for any lizards confined during capture and checked daily. All traps were active over five consecutive days. Nocturnal Visual Encounter Surveys (VES) Nocturnal
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Summary of Native Bat, Reptile, Amphibian and Terrestrial Invertebrate Translocations in New Zealand
    Summary of native bat, reptile, amphibian and terrestrial invertebrate translocations in New Zealand SCIENCE FOR CONSERVATION 303 Summary of native bat, reptile, amphibian and terrestrial invertebrate translocations in New Zealand G.H. Sherley, I.A.N. Stringer and G.R. Parrish SCIENCE FOR CONSERVATION 303 Published by Publishing Team Department of Conservation PO Box 10420, The Terrace Wellington 6143, New Zealand Cover: Male Mercury Islands tusked weta, Motuweta isolata. Originally found on Atiu or Middle Island in the Mercury Islands, these were translocated onto six other nearby islands after being bred in captivity. Photo: Ian Stringer. Science for Conservation is a scientific monograph series presenting research funded by New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC). Manuscripts are internally and externally peer-reviewed; resulting publications are considered part of the formal international scientific literature. Individual copies are printed, and are also available from the departmental website in pdf form. Titles are listed in our catalogue on the website, refer www.doc.govt.nz under Publications, then Science & technical. © Copyright April 2010, New Zealand Department of Conservation ISSN 1173–2946 (hardcopy) ISSN 1177–9241 (PDF) ISBN 978–0–478–14771–1 (hardcopy) ISBN 978–0–478–14772–8 (PDF) This report was prepared for publication by the Publishing Team; editing by Amanda Todd and layout by Hannah Soult. Publication was approved by the General Manager, Research and Development Group, Department of Conservation, Wellington, New Zealand. In the interest of forest conservation, we support paperless electronic publishing. When printing, recycled paper is used wherever possible. CONTENTS Abstract 5 1. Introduction 6 2. Methods 7 3.
    [Show full text]
  • Oligosoma Ornatum; Reptilia: Scincidae) Species Complex from Northern New Zealand
    Zootaxa 3736 (1): 054–068 ISSN 1175-5326 (print edition) www.mapress.com/zootaxa/ Article ZOOTAXA Copyright © 2013 Magnolia Press ISSN 1175-5334 (online edition) http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3736.1.2 http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:B7D72CD9-BE5D-4603-8BC0-C9FA557C7BEE Taxonomic revision of the ornate skink (Oligosoma ornatum; Reptilia: Scincidae) species complex from northern New Zealand GEOFF B. PATTERSON1,5, ROD A. HITCHMOUGH2 & DAVID G. CHAPPLE3,4 1149 Mairangi Road, Wilton, Wellington, New Zealand 2Department of Conservation, Terrestrial Conservation Unit, PO Box 10-420, Wellington 6143, New Zealand 3School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton Victoria 3800, Australia 4Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution, School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, P.O. Box 600, Wellington 6140, New Zealand 5Corresponding author. E-mail: [email protected] Abstract Although the New Zealand skink fauna is known to be highly diverse, a substantial proportion of the recognised species remain undescribed. We completed a taxonomic revision of the ornate skink (Oligosoma ornatum (Gray, 1843)) as a pre- vious molecular study indicated that it represented a species complex. As part of this work we have resolved some nomen- clatural issues involving this species and a similar species, O. aeneum (Girard, 1857). A new skink species, Oligosoma roimata sp. nov., is described from the Poor Knights Islands, off the northeast coast of the North Island of New Zealand. This species is diagnosed by a range of morphological characters and genetic differentiation from O. ornatum. The con- servation status of the new taxon appears to be of concern as it is endemic to the Poor Knights Islands and has rarely been seen over the past two decades.
    [Show full text]
  • Lizards on the 'Kapiti Mainland Island'
    Lizards on the ‘Kapiti Mainland Island’ Source: Wellington Region: Gecko Identification Card, Greater Wellington Regional Council Report prepared by Paul Callister with assistance from Trent Bell and Gay Hay December 2015 Our ‘Kapiti Mainland Island’ area The area covered by the ‘Mainland Island’ comprises Queen Elizabeth Park, Whareroa Farm Reserve and the Paekakariki-Pukerua Bay escarpment.1 Vision In the next decade lizards will become abundant within this Kapiti Mainland Island. Goals to gain an understanding of lizard diversity and abundance in Queen Elizabeth Park, Whareroa Farm Reserve and on the Paekakariki-Pukerua Bay escarpment through lizard surveys and monitoring programmes.. to improve animal pest control regimes so they protect existing lizard populations and allow these populations to stabilise or recover based on the surveys and expert advice from herpetologists.. to assist the recovery of lizard populations by improving their habitat. 1 The escarpment commences near Muri Station and finishes at Paekakariki. It excludes the escarpment above Pukerua Bay beach. Introduction Lizards are New Zealand’s largest terrestrial vertebrate group with more than 100 species (and counting!). They occupy almost all available ecosystems from coastal shores to mountain peaks. Lizards play an important role in ecosystem processes and function as predators, pollinators, frugivores and seed dispersers. Despite 85 percent of this fauna being threatened or at-risk, lizards are everywhere around us and can be exceptionally abundant when released from mammalian predation pressure. Lizards are emerging as iconic flagship and indicator species in conservation and ecological restoration. In 2012 the Wellington Regional Lizard Network published a lizard strategy for the Wellington region (Romijn et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity Conservation and Phylogenetic Systematics Preserving Our Evolutionary Heritage in an Extinction Crisis Topics in Biodiversity and Conservation
    Topics in Biodiversity and Conservation Roseli Pellens Philippe Grandcolas Editors Biodiversity Conservation and Phylogenetic Systematics Preserving our evolutionary heritage in an extinction crisis Topics in Biodiversity and Conservation Volume 14 More information about this series at http://www.springer.com/series/7488 Roseli Pellens • Philippe Grandcolas Editors Biodiversity Conservation and Phylogenetic Systematics Preserving our evolutionary heritage in an extinction crisis With the support of Labex BCDIV and ANR BIONEOCAL Editors Roseli Pellens Philippe Grandcolas Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Institut de Systématique, Evolution, Biodiversité, ISYEB – UMR 7205 Biodiversité, ISYEB – UMR 7205 CNRS MNHN UPMC EPHE, CNRS MNHN UPMC EPHE, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle Sorbonne Universités Sorbonne Universités Paris , France Paris , France ISSN 1875-1288 ISSN 1875-1296 (electronic) Topics in Biodiversity and Conservation ISBN 978-3-319-22460-2 ISBN 978-3-319-22461-9 (eBook) DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-22461-9 Library of Congress Control Number: 2015960738 Springer Cham Heidelberg New York Dordrecht London © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2016 . The book is published with open access at SpringerLink.com. Chapter 15 was created within the capacity of an US governmental employment. US copyright protection does not apply. Open Access This book is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License, which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited. All commercial rights are reserved by the Publisher, whether the whole or part of the material is concerned, specifi cally the rights of translation, reprinting, reuse of illustrations, recitation, broadcasting, reproduction on microfi lms or in any other physical way, and transmission or information storage and retrieval, electronic adaptation, computer software, or by similar or dissimilar methodology now known or hereafter developed.
    [Show full text]
  • And Endoparasites of New Zealand Reptiles
    An annotated checklist This article lists the internal and external parasites recorded in or on tuataras and lizards in New Zealand of ecto- and endoparasites and includes brief notes about them. of New Zealand reptiles Tuataras and lizards are New Zealand’s only land-based native reptiles. Currently these comprise two species of tuatara, 16 geckos divided into the major groups of Nematoda, Cestoda, Trematoda and 28 skinks although the exact number of lizards is undecided and Protozoa whereas all ectoparasite records are included in the and is likely to increase as more research is done(1). In this article order Acari. In the annotated list, the parasites are not only attempts are made to catalogue all those ecto- and endoparasites identified according to the phylum or order to which they belong, that have been recorded on, or in, these hosts. but also to family level. In the latter list, each parasite record is also The parasite checklist is presented in three parts. The first two parts supported by a reference, but these are omitted in parts one and simply list these records alphabetically by common host name two. While these data are primarily concerned with parasites of according to Gill and Whitaker(1) and by parasite group, respectively. New Zealand’s native reptile fauna, for the sake of completeness, The third comprises an annotated catalogue of the parasites those that have been recorded from two non-naturalised captive arranged alphabetically according to their scientific names. In the lizards in this country (the Indian blood sucker lizard and the former two parts, and as appropriate, the endoparasite groups are bluetongue skink) are included as well.
    [Show full text]
  • Assessment of Terrestrial Ecological Effects
    Choose a building block. Northern Corridor Improvements Assessment of Terrestrial Ecological Effects Project No: 250310 Document Ref: NCI-3PRE-2ENV-RPT-0030 Revision: 1 9 December 2016 This report has been prepared for the benefit of the NZ Transport Agency. No liability is accepted by this company or any employee or sub-consultant of this company with respect to its use by any other person. This disclaimer shall apply notwithstanding that the report may be made available to other persons for an application for permission or approval or to fulfil a legal requirement. Quality Assurance Statement Prepared by: Chris Wedding, Jennifer Shanks (Bioresearches Group) Reviewed by: Graham Don (Bioresearches Group) NZTA Reviewer: Carol Bannock Approved for issue by Aurecon: Jon Hind Approved for use by NZTA: Deepak Rama File NCI-3PLA-2ENV-RPT-0030 Project No. 250310 Executive summary Purpose of Report This report identifies and assesses the potential effects of the Northern Corridor Improvements Project (the Project) on terrestrial ecological values. The values assessed include vegetation and flora, lizards, avifauna and long-tailed bats within the Project area. Where values are identified and are potentially affected by the construction or operation of the Project, recommendations are provided to avoid or mitigate those effects. Assessments Undertaken The assessments were undertaken across the Project area and include desktop and database reviews, site visits and formal surveys for flora and fauna. Results of Assessments The majority of the vegetation and potential fauna habitat values within the Project area are low, being predominantly planted areas. While vegetation clearance is proposed within the Project area, the overall value of this vegetation is low.
    [Show full text]
  • Incorporated
    THE AUSTRALIAN SOCIETY OF HERPETOLOGISTS INCORPORATED NEWSLETTER 49 Published 29 September 2014 2 Letter from the editor I trust you found yourselves securely amused in the ever capable hands of that respectably amiable Professor Keogh and saucy Dr Mitzy during the 2014 ASH conference. The 2014 AGM was the first meeting I have missed since I attended my first ASH at 21 years old in Healesville Victoria. A time of a young and impressionable heart left seduced by Rick Shines, well… shine I suppose, a top a bald and knowledgeable head, awed by the insurmountable yet witty detail of Glenn Shea's trivia (not to mention that beard) and left speechless by the ever inappropriate, wildly handsome and ridiculously witty Mr Clemann. I welcome the newbys to a society that holds a unique place in Australian science. Where the brains and ideas of some of Australia's top scientists are corrupted by their inner herpetological brawn, where copious quantities of beer often leave even the most innocent of professors busting out the most quality of limbo attempts, break dance moves... or just plain naked. Where Conrad Hoskin becomes a lake Ayer dragon to avoid courtship rituals, where the obscure snores of Matthew Greenlees leave phylogenetists confused with analogous evolutionary traits, and where Mark Hutchinson’s intimate relationship with every single lizard in the entire country including coastal fringes and off shore islands, puts everyone to shame and anyone left to sleep. It is with deep regret and sheer delight that I could not join you this year, for my inner black mumma has met with my chameleon calling to leave my big island home and travel west to Madagascar where I am set up, working part time for University of Newcastle and part time for a local organisation called Madagasikara Voakajy for an indeterminate period.
    [Show full text]
  • Technical Report I
    REPORT Watercare Services Limited Northern Interceptor - Phase 1 Ecological Assessment Prepared for: Watercare Services Limited Prepared by: Tonkin & Taylor Ltd Distribution: Watercare Services Limited electronic copy Tonkin & Taylor Ltd (FILE) 1 copy June 2015 Job No: 28773.300 Tonkin & Taylor Ltd June 2015 Northern Interceptor - Phase 1 - Ecological Assessment Job No: 28773.300 Watercare Services Limited Table of contents 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Overview of proposed works 1 2 Methods 3 2.1 Desktop assessment 3 2.2 Field assessment 3 2.2.1 Terrestrial ecosystems 3 2.2.2 Freshwater and wetland ecosystems 4 2.2.3 Coastal marine ecosystems 4 3 Ecological characteristics and values 6 3.1 Ecological context 6 3.2 Ecological characteristics overview 6 3.3 Habitat/vegetation characteristics 7 3.3.1 Hobsonville Pump Station 7 3.3.2 State Highway 18 crossing 7 3.3.3 SH18 to Causeway widening 7 3.3.4 Upper Waitemata Harbour crossing 7 3.3.5 Rahui Rd to Greenhithe Rd 9 3.3.6 Greenhithe Road to Wainoni Park 9 3.3.7 Wainoni Park South & North 10 3.3.8 Te Wharau Creek crossing 11 3.3.9 North Shore Memorial Park 11 3.3.10 North Shore Memorial Park to North Shore Golf Club 11 3.3.11 North Shore Golf Club 11 3.3.12 Albany Highway to William Pickering Drive 12 3.3.13 Piermark Road to Bush Road 12 3.3.14 Rosedale Park to Rosedale WWTP 12 3.4 Fauna 12 3.4.1 Birds 12 3.4.2 Herpetofauna 13 3.4.3 Marine benthic invertebrates 14 3.4.4 Fish 14 4 Assessment of significance 16 4.1 New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement 16 4.2 Auckland Council Regional
    [Show full text]
  • New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS)
    NEW ZEALAND THREAT CLASSIFICATION SERIES 17 Conservation status of New Zealand reptiles, 2015 Rod Hitchmough, Ben Barr, Marieke Lettink, Jo Monks, James Reardon, Mandy Tocher, Dylan van Winkel and Jeremy Rolfe Each NZTCS report forms part of a 5-yearly cycle of assessments, with most groups assessed once per cycle. This report is the first of the 2015–2020 cycle. Cover: Cobble skink, Oligosoma aff.infrapunctatum “cobble”. Photo: Tony Jewell. New Zealand Threat Classification Series is a scientific monograph series presenting publications related to the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS). Most will be lists providing NZTCS status of members of a plant or animal group (e.g. algae, birds, spiders). There are currently 23 groups, each assessed once every 3 years. After each three-year cycle there will be a report analysing and summarising trends across all groups for that listing cycle. From time to time the manual that defines the categories, criteria and process for the NZTCS will be reviewed. Publications in this series are considered part of the formal international scientific literature. This report is available from the departmental website in pdf form. Titles are listed in our catalogue on the website, refer www.doc.govt.nz under Publications, then Series. © Copyright December 2016, New Zealand Department of Conservation ISSN 2324–1713 (web PDF) ISBN 978–1–98–851400–0 (web PDF) This report was prepared for publication by the Publishing Team; editing and layout by Lynette Clelland. Publication was approved by the Director, Terrestrial Ecosystems Unit, Department of Conservation, Wellington, New Zealand. Published by Publishing Team, Department of Conservation, PO Box 10420, The Terrace, Wellington 6143, New Zealand.
    [Show full text]
  • Species Richness in Time and Space: a Phylogenetic and Geographic Perspective
    Species Richness in Time and Space: a Phylogenetic and Geographic Perspective by Pascal Olivier Title A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology) in The University of Michigan 2018 Doctoral Committee: Assistant Professor and Assistant Curator Daniel Rabosky, Chair Associate Professor Johannes Foufopoulos Professor L. Lacey Knowles Assistant Professor Stephen A. Smith Pascal O Title [email protected] ORCID iD: 0000-0002-6316-0736 c Pascal O Title 2018 DEDICATION To Judge Julius Title, for always encouraging me to be inquisitive. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The research presented in this dissertation has been supported by a number of research grants from the University of Michigan and from academic societies. I thank the Society of Systematic Biologists, the Society for the Study of Evolution, and the Herpetologists League for supporting my work. I am also extremely grateful to the Rackham Graduate School, the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology C.F. Walker and Hinsdale scholarships, as well as to the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Block grants, for generously providing support throughout my PhD. Much of this research was also made possible by a Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship, and by a fellowship from the Michigan Institute for Computational Discovery and Engineering. First and foremost, I would like to thank my advisor, Dr. Dan Rabosky, for taking me on as one of his first graduate students. I have learned a tremendous amount under his guidance, and conducting research with him has been both exhilarating and inspiring. I am also grateful for his friendship and company, both in Ann Arbor and especially in the field, which have produced experiences that I will never forget.
    [Show full text]
  • Gecko Monitoring FIELD GUIDE for Motuihe Island Copyright © 2017 Motuihe Island Restoration Trust April 2017
    Gecko Monitoring FIELD GUIDE for Motuihe Island Copyright © 2017 Motuihe Island Restoration Trust April 2017 All rights reserved. No part of this publication is to be reproduced other than for educational or non- commercial purposes without the prior approval of the copyright owner. Prepared by Dylan van Winkel Acknowledgements Thanks to the Motuihe Island Restoration Trust Inc. for funding the development of this programme and production of this Field Guide, and thanks to Dr. Matt Baber, Art Polkanov (DOC) and Mark Delaney for constructive comments on the Gecko Monitoring Programme. Front cover Duvaucel’s gecko (Hoplodactylus duvaucelii) Photo – Dylan van Winkel Photo & Illustration credits Dylan van Winkel, Marleen Baling, Dr. Dave Towns, Dr. Brian Gill, and Dhahara Ranatunga Cited as: van Winkel D. (2017) Gecko Monitoring Field Guide for Motuihe Island. Motuihe Island Restoration Trust, Auckland. 1 Contents Page Introduction 4 Preparing for Monitoring 5 Monitoring Equipment 6 Step-by-step Procedure 7 Monitoring Methods Tracking Tunnel (TT) 8 Cell Foam Cover (CFC) 9 Artificial Cover Object (ACO) 10 Species Identification Raukawa Gecko (Woodworthia maculata) 11 Pacific Gecko (Dactylocnemis pacificus) 12 Duvaucel’s Gecko (Hoplodactylus duvaucelii) 13 2 Contents Page Quick Guides Gecko Footprint Comparison 14 Size Guide – Raukawa Gecko 15 Size Guide – Pacific Gecko 16 Size Guide – Duvaucel’s Gecko 17 Other Reptile Species 18 Plague Skink (Lampropholis delicata) 19 Gecko Gender 20 General Observations 21 Frequently Asked Questions 22 Contact Details 23 3 Introduction This Field Guide was developed to aid the Motuihe Island Restoration Trust volunteers while undertaking gecko monitoring surveys on the island. The Guide focuses on three species of native gecko, including Duvaucel’s gecko (Hoplodactylus duvaucelii), raukawa gecko (Woodworthia maculata) and pacific gecko (Dactylocnemis pacificus).
    [Show full text]
  • Hoplodactylus Duvaucelii), and the Use of Cell-Foam Retreats by Lizards and Invertebrates
    Copyright is owned by the Author of the thesis. Permission is given for a copy to be downloaded by an individual for the purpose of research and private study only. The thesis may not be reproduced elsewhere without the permission of the Author. Anchoring techniques for translocated Duvaucel’s geckos (Hoplodactylus duvaucelii), and the use of cell-foam retreats by lizards and invertebrates A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Conservation Biology Massey University, Albany, New Zealand. Alaine Holdom 2015 “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” Jane Goodall I Abstract Conservation management often requires translocations to isolated habitats, and determining the success of such events is reliant on the use of effective post-translocation monitoring (PTM) techniques. Many reptile populations are already difficult to monitor, and post-release dispersal often increases this difficulty. Effective monitoring techniques for nocturnal, semi-arboreal, cryptic lizards are consequently still lacking. Furthermore, very little research has been conducted on the use of anchoring techniques for improving the PTM of lizards by reducing post-release dispersal behaviour. In early 2013, two populations of Duvaucel’s geckos (Hoplodactylus duvaucelii) were translocated to two offshore islands. This provided an excellent opportunity to investigate several aspects relating to the improvement of PTM techniques for this species. I investigated whether two anchoring techniques, i.e. temporary food provision and release into cell-foam retreats (CFRs), can reduce post-release dispersal and encourage CFR usage.
    [Show full text]