"Bug Trail" to Help Showcase Waitangi Natural Environment

Posted 10 January 2012

New Zealand Weta

A unique project is being developed for Waitangi Day 2012 to add a different dimension to the historic Waitangi National Trust estate and help showcase its biodiversity.

The "Bug Trail" project is designed to draw attention to the uniqueness of New Zealand's insect population and to highlight the importance of preserving bush enclaves to protect and enhance the natural environment.

The temporary trail will offer visitors an opportunity to get up close and personal with indigenous and potentially endangered insect species.

A specifically-designed insect hut or "bug hotel" two modified tree-stump habitats and eight-to-ten informal locations identified by plaques or signs will be located at strategic locations along the nature walks on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

The informal locations will indicate where unique invertebrates are most frequently found, such as specific vegetation enclaves, underground locations or forest ponds which are a haven for specific larvae.

The concept is designed to provide opportunities to view these reclusive forest dwellers which generally are only active under the protection of darkness.

"The intention is to increase public awareness and interest in this infrequently-seen dimension of the environment and to highlight the importance of preserving an environment in which these tiny creatures can prosper" says trust Chief Executive Jeanette Richardson. "At the same time we will be developing informal bird sanctuaries with suspended bath and drinking pods where visitors can pause and watch for native species."

The insect trail will specifically seek to showcase species such as weta, native cockroach, millipede and stick insects generally found in association with manuka and totara trees.

"I've been told that close to 95% of our insect life is unique to New Zealand and that entomologists believe that there may be twice as many insect species still yet to be identified. The concept of living enclaves set within the natural environment is certainly unique to Northland and possibly to New Zealand" says Jeanette.

The Bug Trail is being investigated in close consultation with the Department of Conservation and entomologists.

Need to know more? Email Rick McCall