Sites of Special Wildlife Interest (SSWI)

The Fauna Survey Unit of the Wildlife Service has undertaken a nationwide survey to identify sites of special wildlife interest. This survey provides a background of information fundamental to management and conservation planning and for initial assessment of the environmental consequences of projected developments. Purpose: To identify sites of special wildlife importance that require careful management and/or protection.

Description of special features of a site including rare flora and fauna. Sites cover forest, freshwater, and coastal and estuarine habitats.

New Zealand – including many estuaries and islands of the Waikato Region.

Kawhia Harbour – 2360-5105 Aotea Harbour – 2370-5240 Raglan Harbour – 2420-5460 Waikato River mouth – 2260-5962 Marakopa river estuary – 2250-4843 Mokau River mouth – 2171-4359 Owhiro Riverine area – 2382-5035 Awakino River mouth – 2171-4419 Kaawa Stream estuary – 2270-5810 Ngatutura N. rock stack – 2268-5795

Western Waikato 1980 - 1983.

Wildlife habitat of all types is identified on the map initially and then inspected in the field. Each habitat of significant size (forest > 10 ha and wetlands > 0.5 ha) and significant value for wildlife, is recorded as a SSWI. A card is filled out recording details of each site and the position and boundaries of the site are marked on a set of master maps. A list of birds and other wildlife is compiled for each 10,000 yard grid square and a summary, recording general impressions and incorporating relevant comments from local people, is made on completion of each square. Identified SSWI are then rated for risk and/or maintenance of wildlife diversity (habitat value) using criteria based on both the conservation status of species found in the habitat and on the size, quality and representiveness of the habitat and its wildlife on a national and regional scale. Frequency of collection: One off survey

Western Waikato data only ? Attribute accuracy: "Considerable effort is made to maintain the consistency of rating over the duration of the survey and between individual field officers involved in the survey. These field ratings by officers experienced in habitat survey agree well with results of other more objective ranking systems which have been used to evaluate habitats" (Ogle 1981). Completeness: Not reported

report

Freely available