The highly successful Ark in the Park project – which reintroduces rare native species in the Waitākere Ranges – has the chance to expand, with a large forest block and wetlands coming available.
Ark founder and conservationist Dr John Sumich announced that the Matuku Link Trust is raising funds to add the Matuku Link, a 37ha property, to the Ark.
Home to rare species
This piece of land is the last large forested block in Auckland's Bethells valley and is home to many rare wetland species.
“With this new property now available to us, we’ll be able to add the missing link to the corridor from the ridges to the west coast,” says Dr Sumich.
The project has the support of locals, the local board and environmental groups throughout the region.
$1.25 million funding goal
Dr Sumich is very positive that the funding can be found to purchase the property, and a Givealittle page is now up and running. The trust needs to raise another $1.25 million before the property goes on the market on 1 October.
The Ark in the Park project has so far been successful in reintroducing rare species such as kōkako, whiteheads and robins.
The mainland sanctuary will soon be celebrating its 15th anniversary of the release of wildlife in the Waitākere Ranges.