Protecting Tutukaka Coast's Biodiversity

​Bellbird are very susceptible to rat predation during nesting and need areas with intensive rat control to survive.

 

Kukutauwhao island (the lighthouse island at Tutukaka) is one area where TLC is trying to improve the chances of Bellbirds and Kaka returning to the mainland from the Poor Knights islands with an intensive rat and possum control program as well as predator trapping.

 

This island is actually connected to the mainland at low tide and is a popular walking track with great views out to the Poor Knights from the Lighthouse. It is 8ha of regenerating bush with some small pockets of older growth forest and pohutukawa.

 

Hopefully someday soon the bush will once again sound with the music of bellbirds.