The Native Animals of the Tangihua Ranges

Introduction

This page provides an overview of the animals found in Northlands Tangihua Ranges. There are school resources available featuring different species and the phenomenon of gigantism. See Animals and Teaching Resources for School Camps.
The most visible animals in the Tangihua Ranges are birds but there are also a great variety of other species living here from the gigantic Kauri Snails and Pūriri Moths to Bats and Glow Worms.

The Tangihua Ranges a significant refuge for indigenous wildlife.

Northland Tangihua Ranges are the largest native forest block in central Northland, making it a significant refuge for indigenous wildlife.

Quote Areas of Tangihua Ecological District Reconnaissance survey report for the Protected Natural Areas Programme.

The Tangihua ranges are  identified as a Level 1 site by the Protected Natural Areas Programme. The site supports a range of threatened terrestrial and aquatic fauna species, including records of four bird species, two freshwater fish, four land snails, and one freshwater invertebrate. The site also provides habitat for three regionally significant fauna species.

Birds in the Tangihua Ranges

Fresh water species

The Pikawahine stream is the biggest stream in the Tangihua ranges
From the edge of the forest the Pikiwahine Stream travels 48km to join the Northern Wairoa River and a total of 145km to reach the sea on the west coast of New Zealand.
Over this distance, the water drops only 40m in elevation. There are no obstructions between the sea and the Tangihua Ranges until the first waterfalls in the forest. The lack of obstructions is important, as it allows most fresh water species in Northland to access the upper parts of the stream.
New Zealand has 41 native species of freshwater fish from 9 families. Over half of New Zealand’s freshwater fish move between fresh and salt water during their life cycle. The scientific term for this is diadromus.

The fresh water inhabitants in the Tangihua ranges are (click on links for more information)

Land Snails in the Tangihua Ranges

 New Zealand has more species of  and snails per area than any other temperate country. it is estimated there is between 1400 and 2000 species.

They range from the giant land snails: (the 70-or-so species and sub-species of Powelliphanta) to tiny species living in the leaf litter. The total number is only an estimate as many remain undiscovered

Kauri Snail

Five species of land snail are known of in the Tangihua forest but there will be many more yet to be discovered

  • The Kauri snail (Gradual Decline),for more information see Kauri snails – Pupurangi
  • Amborhytida dunniae (Gradual Decline),
  • Amborhytida forsythi (Gradual Decline),
  • Punctidae sp. are Range Restricted, which means they are now restricted to a small
    area, (Brook 2002)
  • Liarea hochsteteri   a non threatened species

Mammals

Most mammals were introduced to New Zealand by humans and are considered pests.  The exception to this are the two species of native Bats. Bats of the Tangihua ranges

Other Animals in the Tangihua Ranges

Tangihua Ranges Conservation

The fate of the creatures in the Tangihua Ranges depends on putting in place conservation strategies to significantly reduce or stop the damage inflicted by introduced pests. If this is achieved, most of the species mentioned above will be able to regenerate naturally or can be reintroduced to develop thriving populations and a healthy ecosystem.
The Tangihua forest block is managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). They currently do not have the funding available to put in place the strategies needed to eradicate pests and protect the forest.
The Tangihua Lions Lodge has set up the following programs that you can be a part of;

 

Rachael Mannion

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We really appreciate those who provide funding for our projects. The lodge
and conservation project would not exist with out them

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