The Waitākere Ranges Dark Sky Project - an initiative designed to reduce light pollution and raise awareness about its impact - could significantly increase wētā numbers, according to University of Auckland entomologist, Dr David Seldon.
Supported by Waitākere Ranges Local Board, the project - currently in the initiation stage - will support the diverse nocturnal ecosystem and promote biodiversity conservation within the region.
Research from the University of Waikato has shown that artificial light significantly disrupts the natural activity of nocturnal species like native wētā, particularly affecting male wētā, which exhibit strong avoidance behaviour. This makes them more vulnerable to predators and reduces their foraging opportunities.
“Wētā are vital to the health of our ecosystem,” explains Dr Seldon.
“Among other things, they provide nutrients to the soil through their waste and are a vital link in the food chain. Without them we’d lose many important native plants and animals which would cause significant issues for our environment.
“However, establishing a Dark Sky Park and restoring the natural nighttime environment should go a long way in supporting wētā and other nocturnal species to thrive,” he says.
Once underway, the project will involve implementation of guidelines for outdoor lighting to minimise light pollution, as recommended by Dark Sky International.
The guidelines lay out a range of recommendations including the use of shielded and motion-activated lighting, reducing unnecessary illumination and preserving the darkness that nocturnal species rely on.
While reducing light pollution is key, Waitākere Ranges Local Board member Dr Liz Manley points out: “This is not about policing light sources across the area. It’s about raising awareness and understanding the impacts of light pollution on our environment and wildlife, including wētā.
“And it’s not just wildlife that will benefit. Reduced light pollution can also improve human health, reduce energy consumption, preserve heritage and provide better opportunities for astronomical observations.”
According to Dr Manley, residents and businesses will be encouraged to adopt dark sky-friendly lighting practices and participate in conservation activities.
“By working together, the community can help create a sanctuary for nocturnal wildlife and promote sustainable living practices,” she says.
The project will also include monitoring and research programmes to track the impact of reduced light pollution on wildlife, including wētā. Data collected from these studies will inform future conservation strategies and help measure the success of the initiative.
How you can help support wētā:
- Minimise outdoor lighting. Use motion-activated lights and dim or turn off unnecessary lights at night.
- Create wētā -friendly habitats by planting native trees and shrubs that provide natural shelters for wētā.
- Support conservation programmes that protect wētā and their natural habitats by donating to the Pest Free Waitākere Ranges Alliance (PFWRA) give a little page.
- Spread the word about the importance of wētā and why we need to keep them safe.
Learn more about the Dark Sky Project at darksky.org
Get involved
Visit the Pest Free Waitākere Ranges Alliance’s website or connect with other local groups within the Waitākere Ranges: pfwra.org.nz/find-your-people