In November 2005 a project was set up
in conjunction with Suzannah Dodd, a student of Northland Polytechnic, to
monitor the presence of Kauri Snails (Paryphanta busbyi busbyi) in
the area. This monitoring project has been continued by the Trust. By assessing the health of the kauri snail population, the control of
the main snail predators - possum, rat, hedgehog - can be determined, in
addition to the general health of the vegetation in the plots.
Eight plots are marked out 10 metres by 2 metres and the number of snails per
plot recorded. Dead snails are analysed to attempt to determine the cause of
death. Other environmental conditions are noted.
Kauri Snail
Members Kauri Snail monitoring