Banded rails are a native
subspecies which inhabit wetlands throughout New Zealand.
A rare native bird has
been discovered at a west Auckland wetland for the first time.
The banded rail, a small,
secretive, ground living bird, was discovered at the coastal wetland by
Rutherford College, in Te Atatu on July 1.
Senior biodiversity advisor at
Auckland Council, Ben Paris, confirmed the banded rail, which has a
conservation status of "at risk-declining" was captured on video
footage from a camera trap.
Senior biodiversity advisor at
Auckland Council Ben Paris said the onus was on west Aucklanders to help
protect the Te Atatu wetlands.
It's the first time banded
rails - or moho pereru - had been seen in the area.
"We have suspected banded
rails to be found in this mangrove habitat," Paris said.
Other than the video footage
confirming their presence in the wetlands, there were also banded rail
footprints in the salt marsh.
"We know that they are in
the salt marsh habitat of Harbourview Reserve on the east side of the
peninsula, but this was great to confirm their presence on the other side
too."
The birds are usually found in
mangrove and saltmarsh habitats, in estuarine wetlands. Reluctant fliers, banded
rails can travel long distances, mainly at night.
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