Whanganui National Park
The 75,000 hectare park borders the Whanganui River. The isolated reaches of the Whanganui River valley support a range of birds. The greatest concentration of birdlife in the park is in the area most intensively managed to reduce the effects of exotic pests.
The Whanganui River winds its way from the mountains to the Tasman Sea through countless hills and valleys. Lowland forest surrounds the river in its middle and lower reaches - the heart of Whanganui National Park. Kiwis are unique to New Zealand. They are nocturnal and flightless. There are five kinds of kiwi - three closely related Brown Kiwis, the Little Spotted Kiwi and the Great Spotted Kiwi. The kiwi’s long slender bill has nostrils at the lower end, so that it can detect worms, insects and grubs. Despite its awkward appearance, a kiwi can outrun a human. Photographer: Tourism New Zealand (www.newzealand.com).
The park is home to the largest population of North Island brown kiwi in New Zealand with several thousand birds present. The blue duck/whio inhabits the clean fast-flowing river habitats in the park with the most significant populations on rivers bordering the park.
Bats
Long-tailed bats are in more open habitats of the park such as river trenches and forest edges. Although less commonly spotted, larger populations of short-tailed bats occur in the dense bush.
Threats & pest control
Alien species of mammals - goats, deer, pigs, possums, stoats and rats - have all had a major impact on the park's vegetation and wildlife. Possums cause damage to native forests by targeting their preferred species, sometimes causing local extinctions. In addition to leaves, possums also eat flowers, fruit, buds, fungi, insects and bird eggs and chicks. Possum control in Whanganui National Park has improved the condition of a range of plant species.
Feral goats and deer are another major environmental pest in the park. They browse vegetation, prevent regeneration and degrade land that adds to erosion. Goat control is achieved by hunting, and populations within target areas of the park have been significantly reduced. As above, the areas receiving pest management have the richest flora and fauna.
Highlights: North Island brown kiwi, and common species include fantails, grey warblers, silvereyes, tomtits, robins, bellbirds, kereru/kukupa, tui and whitehead. Migratory cuckoos are heard in spring and early summer. Kakariki and kaka are present in very low numbers in the mature forest of the Matemateaonga Range and possibly the Heao catchment. Rifleman, yellow-crowned kakariki and New Zealand falcon are seen regularly.
Location: The park is located in the central North Island with Taumarunui to the north and Wanganui to the south. The small towns of Pipiriki, Ohinepane, and Whakahoro are main gateways to the river itself.
These maps are intended as a guideline only; you must check the exact location of the reserve yourself. Wildlife Extra assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or usefulness of the information on this website.
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