Pukekos 'could be threatened’

Press, 12 October 1988, Page 29

Pukekos 'could be threatened’

By

JANE DUNBAR

The pukeko population in Christchurch could be endangered if Travis Swamp is developed, said the regional recorder of the Ornithological Society. Travis Swamp had the second-largest concentration of wetland birds in the city, said Mr Andrew Crossland, at a hearing of a multi-million dollar proposal for the area. Travis Country Estates, Ltd, wants to turn the swamp into a new suburb, with more than 700 residential sections.

One-quarter of Christchurch’s pukeko population uses the swamp as a breeding ground, said Mr Crossland.

Many pukekos had recently moved to the swamp because their habitat at the Estuary was deteriorating and there was no longer enough room for them there. If the swamp was turned into a residential

area, as proposed, many of the birds would die, he said.

The hearing was a joint meeting of the Waimairi District Council and the North Canterbury Catchment Board. The public gallery was crowded.

Much of the debate during the day concerned the protection of an area along Travis Stream which has significant botanical value.

While even the developers agreed the area should be protected, there was no agreement on how big an area it should be or whether the Waimairi District Council would accept responsibility for its maintenance.

One proposal was for 13 hectares to be set aside and protected, but Mr Crossland said this area would be too small to provide adequate bird habitat.

The hearing will continue on October 31.