Flagship Species Role in Waikato Biodiversity Restoration What is a flagship species?

• A flagship species is a species selected to act as an ambassador, icon or symbol for a defined geographical area, habitat, issue, campaign or environmental cause (e.g Polar Bears for climate change). • Flagship species are usually relatively large and 'charismatic’ (e.g. Giant Panda WWF). • Flagship species may or may not be keystone species and therefore may or may not be good indicators of biological process (Source: Adapted from WWF) What is a keystone species?

• A keystone species is a species that plays an essential role in the structure, functioning or productivity of an ecosystem at a defined level (seed dispersal, etc). • Disappearance or presence of such species may lead to significant ecosystem change or dysfunction which may have knock on effects on a broader scale (e.g. bats and insects in pollination).

(Source: Adapted from WWF) What is a keystone species?

• A keystone species is a species that plays an essential role in the structure, functioning or productivity of an ecosystem at a defined level (seed dispersal, etc). • Disappearance or presence of such species may lead to significant ecosystem change or dysfunction which may have knock on effects on a broader scale (e.g. bats and insects in pollination). • A good flagship species should also be a keystone species so the whole ecosystem can benefit. (Source: Adapted from WWF)

Why have Kokako been such a successful Flagship Species for Pirongia? Why have Kokako been such a successful Flagship Species for Pirongia? • They are definitely charismatic! Why have Kokako been such a successful Flagship Species for Pirongia? • They are definitely charismatic! • They have a story - Kokako meant a lot to a lot of people. • They were remembered up to the 80’s – bringing them back would restore “Mauri to the Maunga” Why have Kokako been such a successful Flagship Species for Pirongia? • They are definitely charismatic! • They have a story - Kokako meant a lot to a lot of people. • They were remembered up to the 80’s – bringing them back would restore “Mauri to the Maunga” • Fits bill as keystone species – Both the control of the kokako’s predators and proliferation of kokako itself (as seed disperser) benefit the Pirongia eco-system as a whole. Why have Kokako been such a successful Flagship Species for Pirongia? For any restoration project you need a lot of community support as well as funding. • Volunteers have at least doubled since Kokako have come back to Pirongia. • Easier to attract funding. Multiple Flagship species

Attract even more interest and focus on restoring more habitats. Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park

Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park • Internationally recognised multi-generational project to restore 65 hectares of indigenous habitat, representing all 6 land use types of the Hamilton basin. • Just over already half planted. • Plans for a predator proof fence - or at least intensive predator control. • Possibilities for species introduction program with Hamilton Zoo • Centre for restoration research and education for Waikato and Aotearoa. What Flagship Flora and Fauna do you think we should focus on at Waiwhakareke?