Travis Swamp Wetland - Paradise Ducks & Black Cormorant

Paradise shelducks in foreground and a Black Cormorant (in top left corner) on a stream bank.

Paradise ducks are found in open waterways and grassland habitats, while the black comorant is usually found in open waterways.

Travis Swamp Wetland Restoration #2 - Manuka

Manuka bushes on the northern edge of Travis wetland.

To re-establish an eastern lowlands swamp forest, pioneer species such as manuka are needed to pave the way for the development of a swampland forest of kahikatea, totara, and matai trees. Manuka colonises both wet and dry soils, acting as a protective nurse for the taller, canopy native tree species.

The manuka bushes in the Travis swamp are some of the last natural remnants on the Canterbury Plains.

Manuka also serves as a source of nectar for native butterflies and other insects. Restoration of manuka stands is held back by the effects of the scale insect, manuka blight, and the associated sooty mould.

Travis Swamp Wetland Restoration - Nursery Spider Web

Nursery spider webs can be seen hanging on shrubs in various areas of the Travis wetland.

Travis Swamp Wetland - Divaricating Plants

Divaricating plants such as the Coprosma species were a widespread form of vegetation on the eastern drylands in both the South and North Islands of New Zealand.

The scientific debate over why these plants developed small leaves and criss-crossed branches is yet to be resolved.

Some theories suggest that divarication is an adaptation to the grazing behaviour of the now extinct moa over many, many centuries. These adaptations are theorized to have increased the resistance of plants to the browsing action of moas.

Other explanations speculate that divarication results from the response of plants originating in tropical climates to climatic cooling in the ice ages, or some combination of both theories.

Pukeko Chick & Parents, Travis Swamp, Christchurch

Pukeko parents and chick at Travis Wetland.

Pukeko, one of the flightless native bird species, are wetland and swamp habitat birds. When they take "flight" from a disturbance or threat their white under feathers in the tail can be seen.

The pukeko is similar in appearance to the endangered takahe but is more common though in urban settings is likely to be low in numbers. About half of the pukeko population in the Christchurch area live in the Travis wetland during the winter.

Travis Wetland - New Zealand Flax - Harekeke

A natural lattice of flax leaves frames a view of the Travis Swamp centre lake. A paradise duck in the centre distant background (and out of focus) is framed by flax.

The New Zealand flax or harekeke's nectar-bearing flowers provide a food source for birdlife.

Harakeke served as an important fibre resource for Maori who used flax to weave ketes (bags), mats, bowls, capes, and ropes.

Flax is often found on the banks of streams in wetland areas. Flax on the left. On right in the middle distance is a stand of raupo whose leaves were used to thatch Maori whares (houses). Raupo rhizomes or roots were used for chewing; the tender fresh shoot of the rhizome was harvested in the spring. Maori made a type of bread from a paste of raupo pollen and baking it in an umu or earth oven.