Conservationists concerned over reckless drivers endangering rare birds
Conservationists are concerned reckless four-wheel-drive owners will kill rare birds and their chicks during nesting season on Canterbury’s Ashley River.
Ashley Rakahuri Rivercare Group operations manager Grant Davey urged people to keep their vehicles away from the gravel bed of the North Canterbury river to protect wrybills who have been threatened by several vehicles already this season.
Environment Canterbury parks and forests team leader James Page said nesting areas were protected by the Wildlife Act, which was administered by the Department of Conservation. The nesting area had been cordoned off since September to protect the wrybill colony.
“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.”
He encouraged anyone who saw colonies being disturbed to contact ECan on 0800 324 636.
Stollen Rooftop camper
Our lovely Dutch guests had a rooftop camper stolen off the top of their vehicle last night (Friday).
The car was parked on the corner of South Eyre/Browns Road with a for sale sign on. The awful person/people must have had tools available to unscrew and it was heavy.
Please contact me if you saw anything.