Threats to coastal dunes in New Zealand include:
- Residential development and urban encroachment into coastal areas
- Colonisation of native dunes by exotic species such as boneseed, pampas grass and spread of garden weeds into dunes
- Extensive planting of exotic species such as marram, lupins and pines
- Grazing and disturbance by animal pests (such as rabbits) and stock
- Use of vehicles (such as motorbikes and 4-wheel drive vehicles) and horses in dunes which detroy nesting seabird habitat and vegetation
- Presence of dogs that disturb and kill nesting birds
Vehicle damage to coastal dunes in Northland (left and above: Kaimaumau; right: Te Paki Stream). Photos by John Sawyer.
For more information see*:
- Threats to dunes (DOC website)
- Vehicle impacts on the biota of sandy beaches and coastal dunes by Gary Stephenson (DOC, Science for Conservation 121 - 1999)
*The Network is not responsible for the content of external internet sites