Species

With a dynamic mix of ecosystems at Te Hokiauau/Big Bay, from coastal dunes to wetlands to lowland forest, our project area encompasses an amazing variety of species that we strive to protect. This includes 12 threatened or at risk bird species, 1 threatened skink, and 20 threatened and nationally uncommon plants.

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Bird monitoring was completed in 2021 and 2024. This will be repeated every 2-3 years to get density estimates and monitor long-term population trends. With sustained long-term predator control, the Trust hopes to see an increase in bird numbers as these species are given a better chance at breeding success and chick survival.

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Skink monitoring began in September 2024. Tracking tunnel monitoring during the warmer months has helped the Trust to identify where skinks are currently present or absent. A formal monitor of the Big Bay Skink was completed in March 2026 by herpetologist Carey Knox. This has enabled a population estimate of this locally endemic skink and determined current distribution at Te Hokiauau/Big Bay. The Trust aims to continue skink monitoring both via tracking tunnels (annually) and formal monitors (every 2 years) to see how the population changes long-term.

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See a snapshot of our special species below. Further photos to be added in the future.