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MANAGEMENT PLAN
Wildlife
Within the gorge there is a wide variety of birds including
starlings and sparrows, as well as blackbirds, fantail,
waxeyes, tui and pigeon. In addition morepork and shining
cuckoos are evidenced by their distinctive calls.
There are brown trout, red finned bullies, and common
bullies in the Kaiwharawhara Stream. While populations
declined dramatic ally in the past 10 years there is now
evidence of increases in numbers due to water quality
improvements. In the upper bushy tributaries inanga, banded
kokopu, giant kokopu, koaro and eels have been found.
The gorge contains a range of insects, including weta,
cricket, cicada and other common insects. A glowworm colony
inhabits one of the sewer tunnels on the Ngaio side of
the gorge. Other animal life in the gorge is primaril
y restricted to possums, field mice and rats, with evidence
of feral cats inhabiting the area.
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