Features
Whio family on Te Waiti Stream
Te Urewera Mainland Island (TUMI) is the largest mainland island in New Zealand.
Possum control is undertaken over this entire area using ground-based trappers. Other animal pests such as rats and stoats are also targeted in areas containing high biodiversity values. The effectiveness of these control methods are ascertained by measuring kokako breeding success, kiwi chick survival, rata growth, pirirangi (red mistletoe) distribution, and forest canopy density.
The vision for TUMI is "To acknowledge and nuture the mauri of the northern Te Urewera ecosystem". This vision reflects the long history of Tuhoe in Te Urewera National Park.
Species of Te Urewera
There are a wide variety of native plants and animals in Te Urewera Mainland Island but some of the more notable or endangered include north island brown kiwi, north island kokako, kaka, blue duck (whio) and mistletoe.
Kokako
Te Urewera National Park holds the largest managed population of kokako in New Zealand. The most impressive population is located in the Otamatuna Core area which has seen the most dramatic change in recent years. The population stood at 8 pairs in 1994 and now exceeds over 112 pairs
Whio
Whio or blue duck are present throughout Te Urewera National Park. With pressures from stoats and changing weather patterns, whio have become very vulnerable. Te Waiiti River has been monitored for seven years with numbers currently standing at 18 pairs. This has increased from 8 pairs with many pairs having large clutches survive and set up residence.
Forest birds
Visitors to TUMI are likely to see many of the common birds species once plentiful throughout New Zealand's forests. Birds such as kaka, kereru, tui and robins have increased in all of the core areas. The Otamatuna Core Area has developed large communities of birds and most species are regularly sighted.
Forest health
The Otamatuna Core Area, the largest of the five Core Areas, is host to two of the three New Zealand mistletoes. Mistletoes are very susceptible to foliage damage from possums. Generally the forest is showing signs of improvement and promises a healthy future ecosystem.