DOCSLIB.ORG

Mcconkeyshaund1997msc.Pdf (7.790Mb)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Mcconkeyshaund1997msc.Pdf (7.790Mb) THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY PROTECTION OF AUTHOR ’S COPYRIGHT This copy has been supplied by the Library of the University of Otago on the understanding that the following conditions will be observed: 1. To comply with s56 of the Copyright Act 1994 [NZ], this thesis copy must only be used for the purposes of research or private study. 2. The author's permission must be obtained before any material in the thesis is reproduced, unless such reproduction falls within the fair dealing guidelines of the Copyright Act 1994. Due acknowledgement must be made to the author in any citation. 3. No further copies may be made without the permission of the Librarian of the University of Otago. August 2010 ,_ Individual Identification, Population Dynamics and Moult of the New Zealand Sea Lion at Otago. Shaun McConkey A thesis submitted for the degree of Master of Science in Marine Science at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. April, 1997 11 Abstract A photographic record was kept of all New Zealand sea lions seen at seven study sites in Otago, New Zealand, throughout 1995. Seventy-nine sea lions were individually identified using distinctive features on the flippers, face and body such as rips, nicks and surface scars and estimates of age class. The most commonly used features were those found on the periphery of both the fore and hind flippers. Over 90% of individual sea lions seen were identifiable. The computer program written in this study to improve the speed and accuracy of identying sea lions was found to vary in effectiveness depending on the experience of the researcher. Using the program experienced researchers correctly matched animals more rapidly and more frequently than inexperienced researchers. Approximately 75% of animals identified at Otago Peninsula were present for at least six months of 1995. All individuals identified in 1994 were also seen in 1995, indicating a majority of resident animals. Numbers of sea lions ashore reached a maximum during spring and autumn and a minimum during winter and summer. Low numbers during summer were related to an absence of older animals. Low numbers during winter appeared to be due to a change in haul-out behaviour. Diurnal activity was investigated via the presence and absence of one-year old male sea lions at Roaring Bay, South Otago. Arrivals and departures peaked at mid-morning and mid-afternoon, behavioural activity peaked at 1400h, and the animals showed virtually no nocturnal activity. Only three females were present at Otago Peninsula during the study period: a breeding female and her two offspring, the first pups to be born on the mainland of New Zealand in recorded history. The timing and pattern of moult was recorded for male sea lions. Younger males moulted first with two-year olds beginning in December- January. Generally moult occurred later for each successive age class. Animals older than four began moulting in March- April. The exception was the one-year old age class, which moulted at a similar time to animals five years and older, but only went through a partial moult. 111 Acknowledgements I would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Department of Marine Science (Otago University), the Department of Conservation, the Department of Zoology (Otago University), and all those who accompanied me to the beach in support of my work. Special thanks are due to my supervisors, Chris Lalas and Steve Dawson, as well as Karen Baird, Marj Wright, Brian Murphy and Sonja Heinrich for aid above and beyond the call of duty. Thankfully attitudes have changed since 1894. "There is certainly no sufficient reason to continuously protect the sea lions - they simply occupy and defile considerable areas on the coast that could be utilised for pastoral purposes" Joyce, 1894 ,, IV 'I Table of Contents List of Tables ...................................................................................... vii List of Figures .................................................................................... viii .~ Chapter 1 General introduction ....................................................................... 1 1.1 Pinnipeds (Order Carnivora, Suborder Pinnipedia) ........................................ 1 1.2 Sea lions ......................................................................................... 1 l.3 New Zealand sea lion .......................................................................... 2 l.4 Conservation Status of the New Zealand sea lion .......................................... 6 1.5 Sea lions at Otago Peninsula and this study ................................................. 6 Chapter 2 Study sites ................................................................................... 9 2.1 Otago Peninsula ............... ·.· ............................................................... 9 2.2 South Otago ................................................................................... 11 c- Chapter 3 Identification of individuals ............................................................. 13 3.1 Introduction ................................................................................... 13 3.2 Methods ....................................................................................... 15 <I· 3.3 Results ......................................................................................... 17 3.4 Discussion ..................................................................................... 27 Chapter 4 Computer program ....................................................................... 29 4.1 Introduction ................................................................................... 29 4.2 Methods ....................................................................................... 30 4.3 Results ......................................................................................... 31 4.4 Discussion ..................................................................................... 35 Chapter 5 Number of identified individuals ....................................................... 36 5.1 Introduction ................................................................................... 36 5.2 Methods ....................................................................................... 37 v 5.3 Results......................................................................................... 38 5.4 Discussion..................................................................................... 47 Chapter 6 y Population dynamics of males.. 51 6.1 Introduction................................................................................... 51 6.2 Methods . 53 • 6.3 Results......................................................................................... 55 6.4 Discussion ..................................................................................... 71 Chapter 7 Movement and behaviour of juvenile males........................................... 75 7.1 Introduction . 7 5 7.2 Methods ....................................................................................... 76 7.3 Results ......................................................................................... 79 7.4 Discussion..................................................................................... 87 Chapter 8 The first recorded births of New Zealand sea lions on the mainland............... 88 ,._ 8.1 Introduction................................................................................... 88 8.2 Methods ....................................................................................... 90 8.3 Results ......................................................................................... 91 8.4 Discussion..................................................................................... 97 Chapter 9 Annual pelage moult of males . 100 9.1 Introduction ................................................................................... 100 9.2 Methods ....................................................................................... 101 9.3 Results ......................................................................................... 102 9.4 Discussion ..................................................................................... 108 Chapter 10 General discussion ....................................................................... 110 10.1 This study .................................................................................... 110 10.2 Further research ............................................................................. 112 References . 113 Appendix 1 Sea lion database .................................................................... 122 Vl Appendix 2 Computer program ................................................................ 125 Appendix 3 Sighting patterns for sea lions. Significant beach preference indicated. (Statistical method is log-likelihood ratio with Williams' correction) ....... 139 Appendix 4 Ethics approval.. ................................................................... 141 Appendix 5 Department of Conservation permit ....................... : ..................... 142 Vll 'j· List of Tables Table 3.1 Sightings of known-age male sea lions 1991 - 1995 (data for 1991, 1992 & 1993 from C. Lalas, pers. comm.) ....................................................... 15 Table 4.1 Summary of computer program testing results .......................................... 32 Table 4.2 Summary of p. values from a multiple anova ............................................ 34 Table
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Mātauranga Māori Project on the New Zealand Sea Lion (Phocarctos Hookeri) ​ ​
    Photo credit: Colin Emslie Mātauranga Māori Project on the New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri) ​ ​ Recommendations and report prepared by Rauhina Scott-Fyfe for the Department of Conservation and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu October 2019 Mātauranga Māori project on the New Zealand sea lion - October 2019 Mihi / Acknowledgements Ko Raki ki ruka, ko Papa ki raro, ko kā tini ki waekanui. E pōua mā, e taua mā, e kā mate o tēnei o kā tau kai tēnā marae, kai tēnā marae o Rakiura, o Te Waipounamu, o Te Ika a Māui hoki, moe mai, okioki mai rā. Ko mātou te huka ora e whakamoemititia, e takihia, e maumaharatia ki a koutou. E kā mana, e kā reo, nāia te mihi o Kāi Te Ruahikihiki e rere ana ki a koutou katoa. Ki kā mana whenua, ki kā mana tūpuna, ki kā mana tākata, nā koutou i tautoko i tēnei kaupapa - whānau mai, hapū mai - kai te mihi. I want to acknowledge the Treaty Partners, especially staff at DOC and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu who supported me in completing this project, especially Rata Pryor-Rodgers, Sarah Wilson, Mark Witehira, James Harding, Tom Brough, Enrique Pardo, Jim Fyfe and Ros Cole. To all of the interviewees - Cyril Gilroy, Tāne Davis, Michael Skerrett, Estelle Pera-Leask, Hoani Langsbury, Tiny Metzger, Gail Thompson, Moana Wesley, Rachel Wesley, Koreana Wesley-Evans, Te Moana Nui A Kiwa Rehu Ryan, Nathanial Scott, Shannon Williams, Brendan Flack, Bill Dacker, Corey Bragg, Khyla Russell and Robyn Ashton - I send you my heartfelt gratitude for generously sharing your whakaaro and experiences.
    [Show full text]
  • Urban Streams
    A FRAMEWORK FOR A CULTURAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT OF URBAN STREAMS AUGUST 2012 Cover page photos Left: Ross Creek (in the headwaters of the Leith). Right: the Leith in its Lower Reaches. 2 Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 .........................................................................................................................................................................5 BACKGROUND ......................................................................................................................................................5 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES .....................................................................................................................................6 REPORT STRUCTURE ..........................................................................................................................................6 CHAPTER 2: METHODS ...................................................................................................................................................9 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................................9 STUDY AREA .........................................................................................................................................................9 METHODOLOGY ....................................................................................................................................................9 QUALITATIVE DATA ANALYSIS ..........................................................................................................................11
    [Show full text]
  • Council Meeting Agenda - 25 November 2020 - Agenda
    Council Meeting Agenda - 25 November 2020 - Agenda Council Meeting Agenda - 25 November 2020 Meeting will be held in the Council Chamber, Level 2, Philip Laing House 144 Rattray Street, Dunedin Members: Cr Andrew Noone, Chairperson Cr Carmen Hope Cr Michael Laws, Deputy Chairperson Cr Gary Kelliher Cr Hilary Calvert Cr Kevin Malcolm Cr Michael Deaker Cr Gretchen Robertson Cr Alexa Forbes Cr Bryan Scott Hon Cr Marian Hobbs Cr Kate Wilson Senior Officer: Sarah Gardner, Chief Executive Meeting Support: Liz Spector, Committee Secretary 25 November 2020 01:00 PM Agenda Topic Page 1. APOLOGIES Cr Deaker and Cr Hobbs have submitted apologies. 2. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA Note: Any additions must be approved by resolution with an explanation as to why they cannot be delayed until a future meeting. 3. CONFLICT OF INTEREST Members are reminded of the need to stand aside from decision-making when a conflict arises between their role as an elected representative and any private or other external interest they might have. 4. PUBLIC FORUM Members of the public may request to speak to the Council. 4.1 Mr Bryce McKenzie has requested to speak to the Council about the proposed Freshwater Regulations. 5. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 4 The Council will consider minutes of previous Council Meetings as a true and accurate record, with or without changes. 5.1 Minutes of the 28 October 2020 Council Meeting 4 6. ACTIONS (Status of Council Resolutions) 12 The Council will review outstanding resolutions. 7. MATTERS FOR COUNCIL CONSIDERATION 14 1 Council Meeting Agenda - 25 November 2020 - Agenda 7.1 CURRENT RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO DRINKING WATER 14 This paper is provided to inform the Council on Otago Regional Council’s (ORC) current responsibilities in relation to drinking water.
    [Show full text]
  • Waste for Otago (The Omnibus Plan Change)
    Key Issues Report Plan Change 8 to the Regional Plan: Water for Otago and Plan Change 1 to the Regional Plan: Waste for Otago (The Omnibus Plan Change) Appendices Appendix A: Minster’s direction matter to be called in to the environment court Appendix B: Letter from EPA commissioning the report Appendix C: Minister’s letter in response to the Skelton report Appendix D: Skelton report Appendix E: ORC’s letter in responding to the Minister with work programme Appendix F: Relevant sections of the Regional Plan: Water for Otago Appendix G: Relevant sections of the Regional Plan: Waste for Otago Appendix H: Relevant provisions of the Resource Management Act 1991 Appendix I: National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020 Appendix J: Relevant provisions of the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater 2020 Appendix K: Relevant provisions of the Resource Management (Stock Exclusion) Regulations 2020 Appendix L: Relevant provisions of Otago Regional Council Plans and Regional Policy Statements Appendix M: Relevant provisions of Iwi management plans APPENDIX A Ministerial direction to refer the Otago Regional Council’s proposed Omnibus Plan Change to its Regional Plans to the Environment Court Having had regard to all the relevant factors, I consider that the matters requested to be called in by Otago Regional Council (ORC), being the proposed Omnibus Plan Change (comprised of Water Plan Change 8 – Discharge Management, and Waste Plan Change 1 – Dust Suppressants and Landfills) to its relevant regional plans are part of a proposal of national significance. Under section 142(2) of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), I direct those matters to be referred to the Environment Court for decision.
    [Show full text]
  • Coastal Hazards of the Dunedin City District
    Coastal hazards of the Dunedin City District Review of Dunedin City District Plan—Natural Hazards Otago Regional Council Private Bag 1954, Dunedin 9054 70 Stafford Street, Dunedin 9016 Phone 03 474 0827 Fax 03 479 0015 Freephone 0800 474 082 www.orc.govt.nz © Copyright for this publication is held by the Otago Regional Council. This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part, provided the source is fully and clearly acknowledged. ISBN 978-0-478-37678-4 Report writers: Michael Goldsmith, Manager Natural Hazards Alex Sims, Natural Hazards Analyst Published June 2014 Cover image: Karitane and Waikouaiti Beach Coastal hazards of the Dunedin City District i Contents 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 1 1.1. Overview ......................................................................................................................... 1 1.2. Scope ............................................................................................................................. 1 1.3. Describing natural hazards in coastal communities .......................................................... 2 1.4. Mapping Natural Hazard Areas ........................................................................................ 5 1.5. Coastal hazard areas ...................................................................................................... 5 1.6. Uncertainty of mapped coastal hazard areas ..................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • May 2015 ISSN 1179-2981
    May 2015 www.yellow-eyedpenguin.org.nz ISSN 1179-2981 Papanui waka found on Trust reserve Shar Briden, Technical Advisor Historic and over a 1.2 metre length and appeared well years ago (Dilys Johns). The fibre may be Cultural, Department of Conservation weathered. We three knew it was something dressed cabbage tree leaves. out of the ordinary. A person had been seen Last year a partial hull of a totara waka A group of dedicated archaeologists and driving over the waka with a four-wheel ATV was re-discovered on the foreshore volunteers have been monitoring the sparking urgency for recovery. bounding the south of the Okia Flat foreshore over the past eight years. The Reserve, Papanui Inlet, Otago Peninsula. It was a surprise to everyone to find the group set up in 2009 includes Dr Matthew partial waka measured 6.17 metres long Schmidt (Heritage NZ), Phil Latham (Otago The Reserve is managed by the Yellow-eyed once excavation exposed it. There was no University), Dr Jill Hamel, Hoani Langsbury Penguin Trust (YEPT) and Dunedin City stern section or prow present suggesting and Rachel Wesley (Te Runanga o Otakou), Council (DCC). Jim Fyfe (DOC) and Kuini the waka may have been constructed in Juliette Parsons (a volunteer who has (Carole) Scott and myself were among three separate pieces then lashed together tirelessly monitored the foreshore since a group monitoring the foreshore (4th to form the base of the hull. Radiocarbon 2007), a representative from YEPT and October 2014) when they came across dates obtained from plaited fibre (cordage DCC, Gordon Graham and Leith Thomson a length of exposed timber resembling a or rope) found both inside and outside the respectively., and myself.
    [Show full text]
  • Phocarctos Hookeri)As a Threat to the Viability of Yellow-Eyed Penguins (Megadyptes Antipodes) at Otago Peninsula, New Zealand
    BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION 135 (2007) 235– 246 available at www.sciencedirect.com journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/biocon Predation by New Zealand sea lions (Phocarctos hookeri)as a threat to the viability of yellow-eyed penguins (Megadyptes antipodes) at Otago Peninsula, New Zealand Chris Lalasa, Hiltrun Ratzb,*, Kirsty McEwanc, Shaun D. McConkeyd aBox 31 Portobello, Dunedin, New Zealand bPenguin Place Conservation Reserve, Harington Point Rd., RD 2, Dunedin, New Zealand cDepartment of Marine Science, University of Otago, Box 56 Dunedin, New Zealand dNew Zealand Sea Lion Trust, 36 Greenhill Avenue, Wakari, Dunedin, New Zealand ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT Article history: This study presented evidence that creates a quandary for conservation management: pre- Received 23 March 2006 dation by one threatened species, New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri), threatens the Received in revised form viability of another threatened species, yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes), at 10 October 2006 Otago Peninsula, South Island, New Zealand. Otago Peninsula holds the largest population Accepted 15 October 2006 of yellow-eyed penguins on South Island and the only breeding population of New Zealand Available online 30 November 2006 sea lions on the New Zealand mainland. New Zealand sea lions here represent the van- guard of re-colonisation within their prehistoric range, with nine females and 50–70 males Keywords: resident in 2005. The initial indication of a potential problem was an attack on a yellow- New Zealand sea lion eyed penguin by a New Zealand sea lion witnessed in 1996. The majority of 20 records Yellow-eyed penguin for attacks were at two neighbouring sites, where they coincided with decreases in penguin Predation nest numbers and adult annual survival.
    [Show full text]
  • Otago Peninsula Plants
    Otago Peninsula Plants An annotated list of vascular plants growing in wild places Peter Johnson 2004 Published by Save The Otago Peninsula (STOP) Inc. P.O. Box 23 Portobello Dunedin, New Zealand ISBN 0-476-00473-X Contents Introduction...........................................................................................3 Maps......................................................................................................4 Study area and methods ........................................................................6 Plant identification................................................................................6 The Otago Peninsula environment........................................................7 Vegetation and habitats.........................................................................8 Analysis of the flora............................................................................10 Plant species not recently recorded.....................................................12 Abundance and rarity of the current flora...........................................13 Nationally threatened and uncommon plants......................................15 Weeds..................................................................................................17 List of plants .......................................................................................20 Ferns and fern allies ........................................................................21 Gymnosperms ..................................................................................27
    [Show full text]
  • The Journ Al of the Polynesian Society
    THE JOURNAL OF THE POLYNESIAN SOCIETY THE JOURNAL OF THE POLYNESIAN SOCIETY Volume 126 DECEMBER 2017 Number 4 Editor MELINDA S. ALLEN Review Editors ETHAN COCHRANE PHYLLIS HERDA Editorial Assistants MONA-LYNN COURTEAU DOROTHY BROWN Published quarterly by the Polynesian Society (Inc.), Auckland, New Zealand Cover image: A Te Alo Lili in low wind conditions with its “arms” in a default position. Photo by Wade Fairley. Published in New Zealand by the Polynesian Society (Inc.) Copyright © 2017 by the Polynesian Society (Inc.) Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism, or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part of this publication may be reproduced by any process without written permission. Inquiries should be made to: Hon. Secretary [email protected]. The Polynesian Society c/- Māori Studies University of Auckland Private Bag 92019, Auckland ISSN 0032-4000 (print) ISSN 2230-5955 (online) Indexed in SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE, INFORMIT NEW ZEALAND COLLECTION, INDEX NEW ZEALAND, ANTHROPOLOGY PLUS, ACADEMIC SEARCH PREMIER, HISTORICAL ABSTRACTS, EBSCOhost, MLA INTERNATIONAL BIBLIOGRAPHY, JSTOR, CURRENT CONTENTS (Social & Behavioural Sciences). AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND Volume 126 DECEMBER 2017 Number 4 CONTENTS Notes and News ..................................................................................... 373 Articles MARIANNE GEORGE Te Laa o Lata of Taumako: Gauging the Performance of an Ancient Polynesian Sail ........................................................ 377 NAOMI ALISA CALNITSKY On the “Margins” of Empire? Toward a History of Hawaiian Labour and Settlement in the Pacific Northwest ........................ 417 PHYLLIS HERDA, BILLIE LYTHBERG, ANDY MILLS and MELENAITE TAUMOEFOLAU What’s in a Name?: Reconstructing Nomenclature of Prestige and Persuasion in Late 18th-century Tongan Material Culture .......
    [Show full text]
  • Otago Region Newsletter 2/2020 February 2020
    Birds New Zealand PO Box 834, Nelson 7040 www.osnz.org.nz Regional Representative: Mary Thompson 197 Balmacewen Rd, Dunedin 9010 [email protected] 03 4640787 Regional Recorder: Richard Schofield, 64 Frances Street, Balclutha 9230 [email protected] Otago Region Newsletter 2/2020 February 2020 Ornithological Snippets As autumn rapidly approaches, summer migrants are still in evidence; a Long-tailed Cuckoo at Jacks Bay on 2nd Feb was presumably starting its northbound migration, and Nick Dunckley photographed a Shining Cuckoo juvenile being fed by Grey Warbler by the river at Lake Hawea on 19th Feb. Bruce McKinlay came across a male Indian Peafowl in the Puerua Valley on 25th Jan, while a NZ Pigeon reported near Millers Flat on 18th Feb was away from any other records. A Morepork was found in Kaitangata on 17th Feb. Suzanne Schofield found an immature Banded Dotterel on the airfield in Balclutha on 31st Jan, the first record there for over 15 years; while checking out the dotterel later that evening, the compiler picked out a Whiskered Tern among the Black-fronted Terns flying down the river, and later found it going to roost on a gravel island. Unfortunately neither the tern nor the gravel island has been seen since! An Eastern Rockhopper Penguin (identified after the event) was photographed at Nugget Point on 2nd Feb, and a Spotted Shag was in less likely habitat, feeding in the river at Balclutha on 17th Feb. Finally, a Red-billed Gull made the news by befriending Queen guitarist Brian May on a Dunedin beach. Please send any interesting reports to Richard Schofield, [email protected] Don Pearson saw a juvenile falcon at Glenleith on 20th Feb.
    [Show full text]
  • The Journ Al of the Polynesian Society
    THE JOURNAL OF THE POLYNESIAN SOCIETY THE JOURNAL OF THE POLYNESIAN SOCIETY Volume 126 DECEMBER 2017 Number 4 Editor MELINDA S. ALLEN Review Editors ETHAN COCHRANE PHYLLIS HERDA Editorial Assistants MONA-LYNN COURTEAU DOROTHY BROWN Published quarterly by the Polynesian Society (Inc.), Auckland, New Zealand Cover image: A Te Alo Lili in low wind conditions with its “arms” in a default position. Photo by Wade Fairley. Published in New Zealand by the Polynesian Society (Inc.) Copyright © 2017 by the Polynesian Society (Inc.) Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism, or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part of this publication may be reproduced by any process without written permission. Inquiries should be made to: Hon. Secretary [email protected]. The Polynesian Society c/- Māori Studies University of Auckland Private Bag 92019, Auckland ISSN 0032-4000 (print) ISSN 2230-5955 (online) Indexed in SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE, INFORMIT NEW ZEALAND COLLECTION, INDEX NEW ZEALAND, ANTHROPOLOGY PLUS, ACADEMIC SEARCH PREMIER, HISTORICAL ABSTRACTS, EBSCOhost, MLA INTERNATIONAL BIBLIOGRAPHY, JSTOR, CURRENT CONTENTS (Social & Behavioural Sciences). AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND Volume 126 DECEMBER 2017 Number 4 CONTENTS Notes and News ..................................................................................... 373 Articles MARIANNE GEORGE Te Laa o Lata of Taumako: Gauging the Performance of an Ancient Polynesian Sail ........................................................ 377 NAOMI ALISA CALNITSKY On the “Margins” of Empire? Toward a History of Hawaiian Labour and Settlement in the Pacific Northwest ........................ 417 PHYLLIS HERDA, BILLIE LYTHBERG, ANDY MILLS and MELENAITE TAUMOEFOLAU What’s in a Name?: Reconstructing Nomenclature of Prestige and Persuasion in Late 18th-century Tongan Material Culture .......
    [Show full text]
  • Botanical Society of Otago Newsletter /^ Number 45 /R July 2005 Jt
    Botanical Society of Otago Newsletter /^ Number 45 /r July 2005 jT , BSO Meetings and Field Trips 20 July, Wed. 5:20 pm. Geoff Rogers, DOC Otago in the time of the moa. A look at how we might paint a picture of Otago's prehistoric landscapes using all the investigative tools used by landscape ecologists and archaeologists. See meeting details on page 3 for venue. Queries to Allison Knight, 487 8265 23 July, Saturday 9:00 am Tunnel Beach Half-day field trip to the dramatic coastal sandstone cliffs, caves, tunnels and arches just south of Dunedin. It's a short 20 min walk down to the mouth of the tunnel, where a stunning natural arch is still covered in a mat of coastal turf plants, despite continued grazing and trampling. Look out for tiny selliera (Selliera radicans), sea primrose {Samolus repens) and tiny button daisy {Leptinella dioica) and their low-growing companions. A hand lens and a kneeling pad would be handy. Fairy terns nest near by. Dress for the weather and wear shoes or boots with a good grip - the drop-offs are sheer! Queries to Allison Knight, 487 8265. Meet at the Botany Car Park 9 am sharp for car pooling, or at the Tunnel Beach car park ~ 9.20 am. 7 August, SUNDAY 9:15 am. The Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust (YEPT) and Save The Otago Peninsula (STOP) have invited BSO to join them on a Conservation Week walk. Okia Reserve has a particularly high level of endemism and botanist Peter Johnson will be there to point out some of the rare plants hiding in the dune hollows and in the crevices of the basalt rock pyramids.
    [Show full text]