Restoring the mauri of limestone ecosystems
Introduction
Help us to bring Wai o Toura Scenic Reserve’s limestone ecosystems and their precious species back from the brink of extinction.Why we need to do this work
These limestone ecosystems are home to a variety of unique species, including insects, snails, and lizards, and some remarkable plants found nowhere else. However, these rare ecosystems are in decline, along with the special plants and wildlife found there.
There are over 152 limestone plant species. More than 50 of these plants are ranked as Nationally Critical, the highest threat level for species in Aotearoa New Zealand. These plant species, such as the Waitaki broom and limestone gentian, are dependent on small areas of limestone rock habitat.
Current management is not sufficient to stop this decline, and without help some species will likely disappear within the next decade.
Project goals
The project aims to restore the Wai o Toura Scenic Reserve’s limestone ecosystem by:
- removing weeds and restoring threatened limestone plants
- replanting a forest border as a buffer against extreme weather and weed invasion.
Image gallery
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Nursery grown Limestone gentian flowering in its first-year after translocation at Waipata. Image: Clement Lagrue | DOC
![Nursery grown Limestone gentian flowering in its first-year after translocation at Waipata.]( "Nursery grown Limestone gentian flowering in its first-year after translocation at Waipata.")
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Waipata cliffs in the Waitaki River Valley Image: Waipata cliffs stretch off into the distance in the Waitaki River Valley | DOC
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We need your help
DOC and the New Zealand Nature Fund (NZNF) are working together to restore the mauri (life force) of limestone ecosystems.
Help us to bring limestone ecosystems and their unique species back from the brink of extinction.
Donate now
You can donate to this project through our partner, New Zealand Nature Fund (NZNF). NZNF is a charitable trust responsible for funds donated to this project.
