Protecting Our Biodiversity: Managing ungulates in the Nelson Region

An ungulate control operation will take place in the Maitai and Roding catchments from 12 to 23 May 2025, essential for preserving and restoring biodiversity in these areas.

The Maitai and Roding catchments are vital ecosystems in Nelson, home to unique flora and fauna. However, the presence of ungulates—browsing mammals like deer, goats, and pigs—poses a significant threat to these areas, council and community assets, and a safety risk to recreation users.

"The upcoming ungulate cull represents a critical step in our ongoing commitment to protect and enhance Nelson's unique biodiversity,” says Group Manager Environmental Management Mandy Bishop.

“Populations of deer and other hoofed mammals are having a devastating impact on our native forest understory, preventing regeneration and threatening the delicate balance of our local ecosystems. By responsibly managing these introduced species, we're creating space for our indigenous flora to thrive, which in turn supports our native bird and insect populations. Regular culling operations align with our broader environmental strategy and demonstrates our commitment to being effective kaitiaki of our natural heritage."

Ungulates selectively browse on young native seedlings, preventing indigenous ecosystems from regenerating naturally. Over time, this browsing can lead to an altered state, where native plants struggle to survive, and exotic species take over. By controlling ungulate population numbers, we can limit their impact on important indigenous ecosystems, allowing native plants to thrive.

In addition, reducing the impact of the ungulate population protects Council and community assets, including our tracks and trails, and reduces danger to recreational users.

A key aspect of the ungulate control operation is the partnership with Ngāti Koata and Tasman Pine. This collaboration allows for coordinated control efforts across neighbouring areas, reducing the risk of reinvasion and ensuring a more comprehensive approach to pest management. Ngāti Koata’s involvement also includes paying for the retrieval of meat from culled animals, which is then distributed within the iwi community.

The next cull is scheduled to take place from 12 to 23 May 2025 (with the weekend of 17 - 18 May open for recreation users), and will be carried out by contractors Trap and Trigger.

Trap and Trigger use both aerial (helicopter) and ground control methods. The contractor will implement measures to minimise the impact of noise on residents, though some minor disruptions may still occur. During this period, there will be area and trail closures to ensure safety. These closures will be clearly marked at trailheads.

Timeframes and Operational information:

The next cull is scheduled to take place from 12 to 23 May 2025 (with the weekend of 17-18 May open for recreation users). It will be carried out by Council's contractor - Trap and Trigger.

Areas Affected:

Front country hunting, including Coppermine Trail will take place in:

• Eureka Park
• Atmore Reserve
• Tantragee Reserve (including Codgers)
• Brook Conservation Reserve
• Marsden Valley Reserve
• Nearby Ngāti Koata land around Fringed Hill, Groom Creek, and Codgers

Conservation Reserve hunting, including Coppermine Trail will take place in:

• Maitai Water Reserve
• Roding Water Reserve
• Venner Reserve

Important Schedule Information: These reserves and areas will be closed during weekdays but will reopen to all users during weekends from midnight Friday till 11:59 pm Sunday.

Ungulate management in the Nelson region involves several key approaches focused on protecting native ecosystems while balancing multiple land use objectives:

Council Biodiversity Priorities:

Nelson City Council typically addresses ungulate management as part of broader biodiversity strategies that focus on:

• Protecting significant natural areas (SNAs) from browsing pressure
• Preserving threatened native plant species vulnerable to ungulate browsing
• Maintaining the ecological integrity of council-managed reserves and parklands
• Supporting catchment health and water quality through reduced erosion and sedimentation
• Implementing the objectives outlined in the Nelson Biodiversity Strategy

Management Approaches:

Council biodiversity teams work on ungulate management through:

1. Collaborative Management: Partnerships with DOC, Tasman District Council, and community conservation groups to coordinate control efforts across boundaries
2. Targeted Control Programs: Site-specific management in high-value biodiversity areas, particularly where rare plant communities or restoration projects require protection
3. Monitoring Programs: Regular assessment of vegetation condition, including photopoints, exclosure plots, and indicator species monitoring to measure browsing impacts
4. Private Land Support: Providing advice and sometimes financial assistance to landowners for ungulate management on private land with significant biodiversity values
5. Resource Consent Conditions: Including ungulate management requirements in resource consents for developments near sensitive ecological areas

Focus Areas:

The council's biodiversity team typically prioritizes ungulate management in:

• Remnant coastal and lowland forest patches
• Riparian zones along streams and rivers
• Regenerating native vegetation on hillsides
• Council reserves with significant biodiversity values
• Buffer zones around protected areas