Poaka/Pied Stilt Himantopus leucocephalus Native. Not threatened. Poaka/Pied Stilts can be seen on the mudflats at the estuary and mix readily with other feeding shorebirds such as oystercatchers and godwits. It is more abundant in winter when flocks of over a hundred can regularly be encountered from the viewing platform.at Dawick Street. They are a stunning, slender black and white wader that stalks through the water on long, red, stilt-like legs which trail behind them when flying. Plumage can be variable, especially around the head and neck. The long, slim beak is black and the eye red. Diet consists of water insects and crustacea which are taken from the water or the mud. When wading through water, it may take food from the surface or put its head underwater. On the mudflats it probes or scythes soft mud with its beak. Pied stilts are usually seen in groups, and also breed in small colonies. The bird has a distinctive yapping call which it utters while both on the ground and in flight, nzbirdsonline-Pied Stilt

Tuna kuwharuwharu/Longfin Eel Anguilla dieffenbachii Native. At risk-declining. Mainly a nocturnal species, they live in rivers and lakes but can also be found in most types of water, usually inland from the coast but can equally survive in farm drains, dams and large ponds even if the water is quite murky water. Most habitats would have some bank shading. A second species, Tuna Hinahina/Shortfin Eel A. australis is also found in our rivers but is not as abundant. Breeding takes place only once in their lifetime when they migrate some 5000 km across the Pacific to lay their eggs off the coast of Tonga, after which they die. Spawn drifts back to Aotearoa New Zealand on sea currents, hatching en route. On entering freshwater to start their migration up-stream they change into "glass eel" and it could be up to 80 years before these repeat the journey. The Department of Conservation produces an excellent information sheet which includes links to an activity book and many other aspects of their lives.

Fish Almost half of the fish species occurring in Aotearoa New Zealand are diadromous, meaning that they regularly migrate between fresh and salt water. This makes estuaries an important highway for these fish. Five species of threatened fish have been seen in the catchment: Longfin Eel, Giant Kōkopu , Shortjaw Kōkopu, Mudfish, and Lamprey. The first three probably use the estuary for feeding and during migration. Whitebait probably spawns in the estuary and recreational whitebaiters use the estuary. Black Flounder, Estuarine Star Gazer, Grey Mullet, and Kahawai are present, along with other coastal fish. There are regulations surrounding some aspect of taking fish for recreational purposes with a link to White-baiting on their page. General fishing rules are searchable on the MPI recreational fisheries page. A checklist of species recorded from the area is included here . Information is basic and continually updated with links given by the usual method to a wealth of additional information. Headings and columns A and B are locked, so are always visible. Web address links are edited to fit within the static species columns. List can be downloaded, and additions added for personal use be “save as”. These will not be saved to the web. Kuwharuwharu Tuna/Longfin Eel Whitebait Giant Kokopu

Tātaraheke/Sand Coprosma Coprosma acerosa Endemic. At risk-declining. Rapidly becoming a scarce species and now classified as threatened. Primarily found in dry dunes around Aotearoa New Zealand and on this coast, it is often found growing in dune wetland areas too. The Dune Garden area is routinely home to new seedlings, both in the dry dunes and the wetland area. Male and female flowers are visibly different with the latter producing fruit, sometimes copiously, with a refreshing taste. The colour of the fruit varies from a bland white to a striking blue. Reclamation, competition from Marram Grass Ammophila arenaria and browsing by lagomorphs (Rabbits and Hares) are some of the main causes of decline but responds well when both these threats are controlled. NZPCN-Sand Coprosma iNaturalist-Sand Coprosma

Fungi, Mosses and Lichens The diversity of fungi species is not that well recorded from the area and while many species are likely to be added over time from surrounding areas, especially in woodland, there is still much searching still to be done. A checklist of fungi, along with the few species of mosses and lichens recorded from the area is included here . Information is basic and continually up-dated with links given by the usual method to a wealth of additional information. Headings and columns A and B are locked, so are always visible. This checklist does not follow a recognised format as one doesn't appear to exist for species recorded in Aotearoa New Zealand. Web address links are edited to fit within the static species columns. List can be downloaded and additions for personal use be "save as". These will not be saved to the web. White Basket Fungus Fly Agaric Cup Fungus Gold-eye Lichen

Molluscs Globally, there are around 85,000 species. They are a diverse group of both familiar and unfamiliar species including snails, slugs, clams, barnacles, mussels, squid, octopus plus many unfamiliar species. An excellent article is linked here and this also has a number of links to other avenues of mollusc information. A more in-depth outline of species in given here . A checklist of species recorded from the area is included here . Information is basic and continually updated with links given by the usual method to a wealth of additional information. Headings and columns A and B are locked, so are always visible. Web address links are edited to fit within the static species columns. List can be downloaded, and additions added for personal use be “save as”. These will not be saved to web. Mudflat Snail Saltmarch Snail Toheroa Photo Tangatawhenua iNaturalist

Many thanks to Jonathon Gribble for allowing use of photograph and Horizons for producing the map. The population status of Fernbirds is now on the increase due in part to concentrated pest control efforts which has allowed birds to be re-introduced to areas that previously held populations. The closest being Pauatahanui Wildlife Reserve where, with a little effort, they are relatively easy to observe. It is a success story for pest control and relocations. A population is present at Fernbird Flats, and there is a robust pest control regime in the area. A brief survey carried out by Horizons in March 2025 reported good numbers. A total of 36 birds were detected in a series of 5 minute counts. A comprehensive survey is planned for spring 2025 so an accurate assessment of the entire population can be made. More often seen than heard it is a fairly drab brown speckled bird with a long tail which, because of its preferred habitat of wetland scrub is unlikely to be confused with any other species. Distribution is throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, including some of the islands but is a little patchy and their abundance, or otherwise is governed by suitable habitat being available. Wetland and surrounding areas have been much reduced in recent times, but it is hoped the interest in reversing this trend will benefit the species recovery. Diet consists mainly of insects but occasionally some seed and berries. nzbirdsonline-Fernbird Mātātā/New Zealand Fernbird Poodytes punctatus Endemic. At risk-declining. The Fernbird is one of the estuaries special birds that has a limited but concentrated distribution at the estuary The main population being at the aptly named Fernbird Flats which is an out of the way area that is relatively undisturbed. 2025 Mātātā/Fernbird monitoring – Manawatū Estuary Annual monitoring for Mātātā/Fernbird was conducted on the 09 December 2025. It was an excellent day for monitoring, with perfect, still sunny conditions. Monitoring was undertaken by Zoë Stone (Horizons Regional Council) and four volunteers – Dave Coles (Wildlife Foxton Trust) and Leah Lee, Kirsten Olsen and Stephen Legg from the Manawatū branch of Birds NZ. Two transects were monitored on Fernbird flats, starting at 7:30am. Along each transect, a 5-minute bird count was conducted every 100m, where we listened for 5 minutes and counted all heard and seen Mātātā. This was the 2nd year of monitoring, and a good number of Mātātā were observed. In total, 54 individuals were recorded during 1 ½ hrs of surveying. A highlight of the morning was a nest observation. The chicks could be heard calling hidden in a salt-marsh ribbonwood bush Plagianthus divaricatus , and the parents were seen carrying food and debris to/away from nest. On average 2.45 Mātātā were recorded per 5-minute bird count across both transects. Last year (2024) monitoring was only conducted along Transect 1, with an average of 2.7 Mātātā per count. This year, transect 1 had 3.5 mātātā per count. With only 2 years’ worth of data, it is still too early to assess the population trend. However, the good detection of birds this year may suggest the population is at least stable. Tabón, Emilio. 2005. Population Survey of the North Island Fernbird in the Manawatū Estuary. A Report Presented to the Friends of Mana Island.

Crustacea Crustacea are a diverse group of animals with at least 65000 species worldwide but here at the estuary there are less than twenty to be found. While some are residents, many are washed up after storms or arrive hitching a lift on either debris or seaweed. Most are free-living in either freshwater or a marine environment but one group, the familiar slater or woodlouse are terrestrial (land) based. Other species include crabs, crayfish, shrimps and barnacles. More information on Crustacea can be found on the following links here and here . A checklist of species recorded from the area is included here . Information is basic and continually updated with links given by the usual method to a wealth of additional information. Headings and columns A and B are locked, so are always visible. Web address links are edited to fit within the static species columns. List can be downloaded, and additions added for personal use be “save as”. These will not be saved to web. Tunnelling Mud Crab Titan Acorn Barnacle

Pest Fauna It is a well-known fact that Aotearoa New Zealand has a disproportionate number of introduced animal species, many of which are detrimental to the survival of native wildlife. Many species, such as rodents (rats and mice) and mustelids (weasels, stoats and ferrets) are well documented and present around this area. This page will introduce some of these species, plus others that are not so well known. Brief introductions and a list of organisations where these can be reported will be included, as are some control methods. iNaturalist has a list of exotic species for the Ramsar site but this is a little vague in terms of information. Best to search for the individual species in this link . Before commencing any trapping of Mustelids, Rats or Possums please consult Department of Conservation booklet Practical Guide to Trapping 3rd edition. One of the most comprehensive coverages of what is required to start and expand a successful pest control program is contained in a publication by Predator Free Miramar and titled How to kill rats and engage a community . It contains a detailed account of what is needed from trap building to engaging public and everything else in-between. It is a must read. Predator Free NZ produces a series of excellent guides on the main predator species which can be viewed via this series of links. Weasel , Stoat , Ship Rat , Norway Rat and Possum. Below are listed three of the best guides to pest control. All slightly different - follow the basics but adapt to your own person situation as required. Asian Paper Wasp Polistes chinensis A common species in the area. They do sting but are not as aggressive as Vespula wasps and stings not as severe. They take a heavy toll on native insects and their nests should be destroyed as soon as they are found. Normally only small structures they can sometimes be large. First spray with a commercial fly spray and when there is no sign of wasps in the vicinity, destroy nests which will kill any remaining pupae. If Monarch Butterflies breed in your garden there will be a nest close-by. Well worth checking. possum Brush-tailed Possum Trichosurus vulpecula This serious pest of forests and gardens was introduced to Aotearoa New Zealand with a view to creating a fur trade. The first, in 1837 was unsuccessful but it was the 1858 attempt which started the colonisation of this destructive pest. While some possum fur is still used, usually combined with wool to give extra strength, it is the side effect that is being felt now. Possums are now trapped extensively to try to eradicate them. Wildlife Foxton Trust has a trap library and loan out possum specific traps, with instructions for use in the Foxton Beach area. Enquiries via their website. wildlifefoxton.org MUSTELIDS Three species make up this most lethal suite of introduced predators that Aotearoa New Zealand has. Weasel, Stoat and Ferret are capable killers being able to decimate entire populations of native species from areas that are not protected with an eradication program. Traps and boxes can be purchased as a complete unit or separately. Boxes for these traps have a design which must be followed. The DoC 250 for stoats and ferrets and DoC 200 for weasels are the industry standard and design details can be found in this handy guide. More information is available in the three guides listed above. The video opposite was taken by Cleland Wallace for which we acknowledge his permission to use. This photograph is of a ferret and was taken on the recent Bittern Muster (survey) at Lake Omanu. Being the domesticated form of the Polecat, they tend to be more confiding than the other two species. Efforts are underway to start a trapping program in the area, an important habitat for many species of birds. Foxton Beach Predator Trapping Results With funding and assistance from Horizons Regional Council and Predator Free NZ, Wildlife Foxton Trust with the help of numerous enthusiastic volunteers administer the trapping program in the Foxton Beach area covering the estuary, woodland, farmland and around the township. Results of all this effort is beginning to show as can be seen in the graph on the TrapsNZ below.

Sand Gunnera Gunnera arenaria Endemic. At risk-declining. This tiny member of the rhubarb family is not only endemic, but it is possible that the few clumps of this species in the Dune Garden are the only examples in the wild on the lower North Island. It is however, reputed to be common in other areas of Aotearoa New Zealand. It is a distant relative of the now prohibited Giant Gunnera which previously had been planted in gardens as a statement plant. A coastal species mainly of damp sandy ground and dune slacks, it forms a creeping patch with thick, dark green leaves with strongly toothed margins. Tiny flowers are borne on small, upright spikes that develop into pale yellow to bright orange fruits. NZPCN-Sand Gunnera iNaturalist-Sand Gunnera

Ureura/Glasswort Salicornia quinqueflora Native. Not threatened. Also known as Beaded Samphire, it is in some respects the most identifiable of estuarine plant species. It probably inhabits every estuary of any size in Aotearoa New Zealand and many other countries too, including parts of Australia where the succulent-like stem of the plant is a favoured food item for the critically endangered Orange-bellied Parrot. At the time of writing, the biggest patch in the area is off the end of Pinewood Road, but there are numerous other patches around the Estuary. The original common name came from it’s role in the manufacture of glass. The flower is seasonal, and distinctive as shown in the illustrations. This species is seasonal, so the best time to see it is in the summer half of the year. NZPCN-Salicornia-quinqueflora iNaturalist-Sarcocornia quinqueflora

SPECIES TO WATCH FOR Parrot's Feather Myriophyllum aquaticum Introduced. Not assessed. This is one of the numerous species on the National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA) list which bans the sale of this potentially invasive species. However, of the sixteen regions with pest management plans it is only classed as a pest in eight, one of which is not Horizons. It is not considered a pest in this area although it is found in some locations. This is a plant of mainly freshwater but can tolerate slightly saline estuarine conditions. Can grow in water up to 2 m in depth with the feathery growth protruding around 10 cm above water. Once established it can form large mats which can reach a stage where it chokes or shades waterways which can cause serious problems for native species. Fragments can be water dispersed. Weedbusters-Parrot's Feather i Naturalist-Parrot's Feather parrots feather Field Horsetail Equisetum arvense I ntroduced. Not assessed. This invasive species has the potential to become a problem. How to deal with this species is given in the link below which covers the issue in great detail. It is a relative of the ferns and is easily distinguished by its up-right, feathery green foliage. Can form pure strands which crowd out other species, and these can be quite extensive. It is toxic to stock so can become quite a problem in pasture. Apart from dry ground, it thrives in almost all types of damp ground such as roadsides, gardens, riverbeds and pasture. Very rarely seen at the beach and dunes but worth keeping an eye out for it. A trial with the weevil Grypus equiseti is being undertaken in the region. Progress report is viewable here. Community Pest Control . Horizons Regional Council-Weeding out Field Horsetail field horsetail Sea Spurge Euphorbia paralias Not assessed. Arrived naturally. DO NOT TOUCH. SAP IS TOXIC AND COULD SPREAD SEED. This potentially destructive weed is thought to have come across the Tasman Sea, carried on currents from Eastern parts of Australian where there are large areas of this dangerous plant. It is a notifiable plant and if observed should be reported following the details given opposite, taken from a sign, two of which have been erected by DOC down at the beach, One on Pinewood Road and one by the beach entrance near the Surf Club. It is not yet a common plant, but known sites are monitored and visited frequently to check for further growth. More details can be found by clicking on the links below. MPI-Sea Spurge Wikipedia-Euphorbia paralias Spurge