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Native animals

New Zealand dotterel, Tauranga

People, their pets and vehicles pose a major threat to NZ dotterels.

Please stay out of roped-off areas and keep dogs and vehicles off beaches and sandspits when dotterels are present. Watch out for 'Birds nesting' signs.
Use accessways onto beaches where they are provided.
If you see a NZ dotterel feigning injury (it may 'drag' a wing as if it is broken), it has a nest or chicks nearby. Please move away from the area quickly - birds will not return to incubate until you have gone and eggs can overheat or become chilled quickly.

Birds nesting - do not disturb

If you have a cat and live near a nesting site, keep it well-fed and inside at night. Consider not replacing your pet when it dies.
If you are a dog-owner, make it your business to find out the local rules about dog exercise areas, and no-go areas for dogs. Look for 'No dogs' signs at entrances to beaches and observe the restrictions.

If you are in the Auckland region find out about getting involved in the Omaha NZ Dotterel Protection Group.
On the Coromandel peninsula, find out about getting involved in the New Zealand Dotterel Watch Programme.
Or find out more about how you can help to protect NZ dotterels in your area, phone your local DOC office.

DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number

Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) to report:

Sick or injured wildlife
Whale or dolphin strandings