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Christchurch District Plan Site of Ecological Significance Site Significance Statement Site name: Cashmere Road Ephemeral Pond Site number: SES/LP/39 Physical address of site: 750 Cashmere Road & 32 Sutherlands Road Halswell Christchurch 8025 Summary of Significance: The Cashmere Road Ephemeral Ponding SES is significant because it provides an important feeding and nesting site for the At Risk/Declining Pied Stilt, and supports 12 other native bird species that associated with freshwater lakes and ponds. Site Map: Additional Site Information Central point NZTM: N5173607, E1566512 Area of SES (ha): 2.50 ha Site Description The site comprises an extensive area of ephemerally ponded exotic grazed pasture that is used extensively by native waterfowl and waders, most notably Pied Stilts for nesting and feeding. Extent of Site of Ecological Significance The site covers approximately 2.5 hectares located on the northwest side of Cashmere Road (refer to location map), and covers the extent of the regularly ponded area. Assessment Summary The Cashmere Road Ephemeral Ponding site has been evaluated against the criteria for determining significant indigenous vegetation and significant habitat of indigenous fauna listed in Appendix 3 of the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement (Environment Canterbury, 2013) (see below) referring also to the Wildland Consultants (2013) Guidelines and advice from the relevant Specialist Ecologist Groups. Under these criteria the site is ecologically significant because it meets representative (criterion 1), rarity/distinctiveness (criterion 4) and ecological context criteria (criterion 10). Assessment of Significance Criteria Representativeness 1. Indigenous vegetation or habitat of indigenous fauna that is representative, typical or characteristic of the natural diversity of the relevant ecological district. This can include degraded examples where they are some of the best remaining examples of their type, or represent all that remains of indigenous biodiversity in some areas. The site is significant under this criterion. The Cashmere Road Ephemeral Ponding site supports 13 species of bird listed by Crossland (2014a) as being associated with freshwater lakes and ponds in the Low Plains Ecological District. Although the site does not host the full compliment of species, it is still significant under this criteria as it is one of the best remaining examples of this type of habitat. 2. Indigenous vegetation or habitat of indigenous fauna that is a relatively large example of its type within the relevant ecological district. Site not assessed under this criterion Rarity/Distinctiveness 3. Indigenous vegetation or habitat of indigenous fauna that has been reduced to less than 20% of its former extent in the Region, or relevant land environment, ecological district, or freshwater environment. Does not meet criterion 4. Indigenous vegetation or habitat of indigenous fauna that supports an indigenous species that is threatened, at risk, or uncommon, nationally or within the relevant ecological district. The site is significant under this criterion. The site provides a significant nesting and feeding site for At Risk/Declining (Robertson et al. 2013) pied stilts (Himantopus himantopus leucocephalus) (Crossland 2014b; Appendix 1). During a site visit by the Project Ecologist on 3 rd November 2014, at least 19 Pied Stilts were present at this site. 5. The site contains indigenous vegetation or an indigenous species at its distribution limit within Canterbury Region or nationally. Site not assessed under this criterion 6. Indigenous vegetation or an association of indigenous species that is distinctive, of restricted occurrence, occurs within an originally rare ecosystem, or has developed as a result of an unusual environmental factor or combinations of factors. Does not meet criterion Diversity and Pattern 7. Indigenous vegetation or habitat of indigenous fauna that contains a high diversity of indigenous ecosystem or habitat types, indigenous taxa, or has changes in species composition reflecting the existence of diverse natural features or ecological gradients. Does not meet criterion Ecological Context 8. Vegetation or habitat of indigenous fauna that provides or contributes to an important ecological linkage or network, or provides an important buffering function. Does not meet criterion 9. A wetland which plays an important hydrological, biological or ecological role in the natural functioning of a river or coastal system. Does not meet criterion 10. Indigenous vegetation or habitat of indigenous fauna that provides important habitat (including refuges from predation, or key habitat for feeding, breeding, or resting) for indigenous species, either seasonally or permanently. The site is significant under this criterion. The site provides a significant nesting and feeding site for At Risk/Declining (Robertson et al. 2013) pied stilts (Himantopus himantopus leucocephalus) (Crossland 2014b; Appendix 1). During a site visit by the Project Ecologist on 3 rd November 2014, at least 19 Pied Stilts were present at this site. Site Management Existing Protection Status Partly in public ownerships. Threats and risks Management recommendations Support package options · · Consider not filling in of the ephemeral ponding area · · Consider not ploughing and cultivation of habitat. Discussions with landowner about benefits to biodiversity of different management regimes · · Consider not draining in of the ephemeral ponding area Assistance available where appropriate · Consider not ploughing and cultivation of habitat. · Remove livestock during stilt nesting season, and ensure dogs do not enter area during this period · Investigate land-swap with neighbouring CCC owned land to ensure natural values are protected, developed and managed appropriately into the future · Discussion with landowner about options available · · · Filling of low areas Draining of ponded area Disturbance of nesting sites by livestock and uncontrolled dogs References Crossland A. C. (2014a) Association of indigenous species; all species that are residents or regular visitors to a given habitat type in Christchurch/Banks Peninsula. Christchurch City Council (TRIM 14/756446). Crossland, A. C. (2014b) Cashmere Road ephemeral pond bird monitoring. Unpublished Dataset, Christchurch City Council. (TRIM Reference 14/633531) Robertson, H., Dowding, J., Elliott, G., Hitchmough, R., Miskelly, C. O’Donnell, C., Powlesland, R., Sagar, P., Scofield, P., Taylor, G. (2013) Conservation status of New Zealand birds, 2012. New Zealand Threat Classification Series 4, Dep.t of Conservation. Assessment completed by: Dr Antony Shadbolt Date: 31st October 2014 Statement completed by: Date: Dr Antony Shadbolt 31st October 2014 Statement updated by: Date: XXX XXX Please note this statement is based on information available at the time of writing. Due to the dynamic nature of ecosystems, future reassessment of the site may be necessary to reflect any changes in knowledge of its ecological significance. Appendix 1 Cashmere Road Ephemeral Ponding Bird Monitoring (Crossland 2014) Species 21/10/12 17/01/13 5/05/14 14/07/14 28/09/14 9/10/14 23/10/14 3/11/14 Aust Little Grebe Black Cormorant Little Cormorant White-faced Heron Mute Swan Black Swan Canada Goose Feral Goose Paradise Shelduck Mallard/Grey/Hybrid NZ Shoveler NZ Scaup Grey Teal Harrier Pukeko Australasian Coot Pied Stilt Spur-winged Plover Black-backed Gull Red-billed Gull Black-billed Gull NZ Kingfisher Welcome Swallow 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 4 3 4 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 12 0 38 0 9 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 64 96 0 92 1 17 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 12 64 4 28 1 0 0 14 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 34 0 12 0 5 0 19 2 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 14 16 2 22 1 4 0 10 2 0 0 0 0 0 n/c n/c n/c n/c n/c n/c n/c n/c n/c n/c n/c n/c n/c n/c n/c n/c 19 n/c n/c n/c n/c n/c n/c TOTAL 25 12 75 276 129 90 74 -