Tuku Nature Reserve facts for kids
The Tuku Nature Reserve is a special protected area on Chatham Island, New Zealand. It's located in the Tuku-a-tamatea (Tuku) River Valley, in the south-west part of the island. This large area, covering over 1,200 hectares, is mostly covered with thick native forest. The government of New Zealand owns the land. It is looked after by the Department of Conservation, which works to protect New Zealand's natural and historical treasures.
Before the government owned it, the land belonged to Manuel and Evelyn Tuanui. In 1978, the Tuanuis helped a bird expert named David Crockett. Together, they made an amazing discovery: the magenta petrel (Pterodroma magentae). This bird is also known as the Chatham Island tāiko. This small seabird makes its nests in burrows underground. People thought the tāiko had been extinct for more than 100 years! Today, it is still a critically endangered bird, meaning it's at very high risk of disappearing forever.
In 1983, the Tuanuis generously gave their land to help protect the tāiko. This land became the Tuku Nature Reserve. Other land nearby was also set aside for the same reason. The reserve is super important for saving the tāiko. In fact, by 2004, about 80% of all known tāiko nesting burrows were found inside this reserve.
Plants and Animals of Tuku Nature Reserve
The Tuku Nature Reserve is home to many unique plants and animals. It has forested areas and peat-covered land. The Tuku River and its smaller streams flow through the reserve.
Forests and Plants
The forests here are mostly made up of tarahinau trees. You can also find other special trees like kopi, karamu, hoho, and matipo. Many tree ferns also grow here, making the forest look ancient and lush.
Rare Birds and Wildlife
Besides the tāiko, the reserve is vital for protecting other animals and plants. Many of these are found only on the Chatham Islands. One important bird is the parea, also known as the Chatham Islands pigeon. Like the tāiko, the parea is a special bird that needs protection. The reserve helps these unique species survive and thrive in their natural home.
