Aspiring Biodiversity Trust

Welcome and kia ora to our initiative. Site being developed as of Dec 2017.

Biodiversity is the variety of life on earth comprising all plants and animals and the ecosystems that support them.

Biodiversity forms the foundation of the vast array of ecosystem services that critically contribute to human well being.

“It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.”
― Sir David Attenborough

The Aspiring Biodiversity Trust intends to protect, restore and enhance indigenous biodiversity whilst raising awareness of the importance of the natural world.

Our current projects focus on the Makarora Catchment from “Ridge to River” (Part of Mt Aspiring National Park), its diverse habitats and the threatened species it supports (Makarora Catchment Threatened Species Plan). Refer to overview for further details.

The Makarora Catchment and its associated tributaries (Rivers the Blue, Young and Wilkin) encompass a plethora of threatened species of conservation concern within a diverse assemblage of important habitats unique to New Zealand.

Makarora River looking towards the Wilkin confluence

The habitats and species associations within this environment include; braided river as essential breeding sites for endemic wrybill, black-billed gull, black-fronted tern and banded dotterel. Below, is the first 2017/2018 wrybill fledgling (a vulnerable threatened species endemic to New Zealand which is dependant on braided river habitat to complete its life cycle) identified from ABT’s braided river bird monitoring programme for Makarora River (Dec 2017).

Wrybill fledgling, Makarora braided river habitat Dec 2017

The pristine rivers of the Blue, the Young, the Wilkin and Siberia for whio/blue duck. The alpine habitat of the Southern Alps/ Kā Tiritiri o te Moana as core territory for rock wren and kea. The diverse beech/podocarp forest for kaka, mohua and long-tailed bat.

Juvenile kea looking over the Crucible Basin toward Gillespie Pass

These species need our help and the help of future generations.

” Biodiversity and ecosystems – NATURE – is the infrastructure that supports life on planet earth.”

― Dr Cristiana Pasca Palmer UN Convention on Biological Diversity (2018)

Aspiring Biodiversity Trust Study area – From Ridge To River – Makarora Catchment

ABT’s threat management/ invasive predator control programmes are focused on locations of identified remnant threatened species populations and collectively extends into connecting habitats.

Thank you for visiting!

All text and images by Aspiring Biodiversity Trust unless specified. ABT ©

Here we wish to acknowledge our partners, sponsors, and supporters

Discover more about the Otago region, the Otago Regional Council and the councillors who represent you. Funds greatly recieved through the Environmental Enhancement Fund in 2017 and ongoing support from the reformed EcoFund

New Zealand’s braided rivers are networks of ever-changing channels weaving between islands of gravels. They are home to many species of birds, fish, invertebrates and plants adapted to live in this challenging and dynamic environment.

Support social innovation, build effective organisations and contribute to change. The Foundation model enables creation of Legacy funds in specific areas of interest, that others can then contribute and magnify impact.

Mobilising and developing environmental leaders. Regional groups involved in a range of community-led habitat restoration projects including controlling predators to restore breeding seabird populations at Mt Karioi

Provides wilderness experience tours from the Makarora River. Learn about local history, geology and biodiveristy with an informative commentary from experienced drivers

The Speight’s fund established to support not-for-profit groups working to preserve and protect Otago’s natural environment

Online database of bird observations providing scientists, researchers, amateur naturalists with real time data about bird distribution and abundance.

Philanthropic organisation which applies its Trust funds for charitable and other purposes which are of benefit to the community.

The DOC Community Fund was awarded during 2019 to contribute to Makarora Catchment Threatened Species Project From Ridge To River

International gold mining company providing donation contributing to biodiversity protection and enhancement

Wanaka suppliers of outdoor equipment and optics

https://aa.swarovskioptik.com/birding — Austrian manufacturer of high quality binoculars, spotting scopes, and tripods. Perfect for bird and nature observations.

Home of the “Siberia Experience” operating memorable fixed wing scenic tours within the Makarora catchment

The 2019 Goldfields Cavalcade to Hawea provided a community donation to conservation work through funds raised from delivery of this fabulous event!

https://www.birdsnz.org.nz/ — Birds New Zealand is committed to the study of birds and their habitat use within New Zealand through encouraging members and organising projects and schemes. Activities are organised at both the national and regional level, with 20 regions providing a local network for members to engage in bird studies.

https://www.encounter.solutions/ — ES plans to use its Celium technology to create significant biodiversity gains while driving economic benefits. ES enables it’s users to optimise the way they manage and monitor devices and sensors, by delivering cost-effective wireless networks and applications across remote landscapes.