'Controlled dog areas' are designed to protect wildlife that is vulnerable to attack or disturbance by dogs.
Some of the most vulnerable wildlife in Northland are the small populations of flightless, ground-feeding and nesting birds within forests, shrub-lands and wetlands and along the coastline. While dogs alone are not responsible for the decline in populations of native birds, uncontrolled dogs have caused havoc among kiwi.
Dogs are known to disturb the feeding and nesting of brown teal, bittern, crakes, banded rail, fairy tern, New Zealand dotterel, little blue penguin and variable oystercatcher.
'Controlled dog areas' also aim to protect the recreational experience and enjoyment of the land by visitors.
A full list of areas and maps are available for viewing at Department of Conservation offices.