The Tucker Beach Wildlife Management Reserve (TBWMR) gates are set to be open today, ending a road closure both Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and the Department of Conservation (DOC) have labelled a success.

Since the road closure was put into effect, monitoring by Ecologist Dawn Palmer and DOC staff showed the area has become a stronghold for all three threatened bird species found on the Lower Shotover within the TBWMR.

The Reserve has experienced a successful breeding season, with a Black-billed Gull (the world’s most endangered gull) colony finding the area and nesting.

Recently, the adult Gull colony was spotted coaxing an estimated 15 new chicks across the river.

Banded Dotterel and Black-fronted Terns have also flourished, with the Terns close to the end of their nesting period but still putting up determined defence of their area.

Two female Banded Dotterel remain in the Reserve and are both guarding chicks, with their numbers estimated at five when last counted.

Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Jim Boult was heartened to see the positive result for local endangered bird life from actions taken at the reserve.

“As a community and kaitiaki we have a real opportunity to make a difference to bird species that are under threat, including the world’s most endangered gull. We cannot take this situation lightly,” Mayor Boult said.

“While closing the reserve to vehicles may not be popular with everyone, the outcome for these endangered birds and the efforts of everyone involved in trying to turn around their plight must be applauded.”

Both DOC and Ms Palmer said the road closure was integral to creating a safe, quiet space for the birds, but appreciated the community had undertaken plenty of other steps to help.

“The growing support for predator control along the Shotover River and public awareness about the importance of dog control has played a big part,” said Palmer.

“However, future consideration should be given for the September to January period, as restricting vehicle access to the gravel beach while maintaining bike and pedestrian access has very likely reduced disturbance.”

QLDC would like to thank the community for its patience and respect of the road closure, allowing these threatened bird species to nest and breed successfully.

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