Ecological surveys
Ecological surveys identify native biodiversity, ecosystems and their threats on properties.
The surveys will grow Environment Southland’s knowledge of the biodiversity and ecosystems in Murihiku Southland.
Wildlands Consultants has been contracted to undertake ecological surveys on public and private land.
The surveys are great for landowners who want to find out more about the special biodiversity values they have on their properties. By identifying species on a site, landowners will then be further equipped to minimise disturbances to their habitat.
Ecological surveys do not constitute a regulatory visit and are entirely voluntary.
Those who opt-in for ecological surveys are given options on how they wish their data to be used. However, the collected information remains subject to the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987. Under the Act, Environment Southland is required to release information to the person who made the request.
Report information could be provided to the Southland District Council, Gore District Council, and the Invercargill City Council to help them meet their requirements under the National Policy Statement for Indigenous Biodiversity. Under the proposed statement, territorial authorities are required to map all Significant Natural Areas. Providing the information to territorial authorities is optional.
The information gathered will be used by Environment Southland for regional scale planning, ecosystem mapping and monitoring. The information will improve our understanding of ecosystem types and distribution across Murihiku Southland.
