Sinbad Sanctuary Project

Southern Discoveries is passionate about preserving Milford Sound’s beauty for future generations, which is why it’s a key partner in a major conservation project – the Sinbad Sanctuary Project.

The aim is to see the valley of New Zealand’s most photographed mountain (Sinbad Gully at the base of Mitre Peak) become a sanctuary for native species.

Southern Discoveries is proud to partner with the Fiordland Conservation Trust and Department of Conservation to establish a pest control programme to help threatened birds, lizards and invertebrate species in the valley to increase in number.

In the 1970s Sinbad Gully was home to the last known New Zealand kakapo (the world’s rarest parrot) living on the mainland. Since then new species of gecko and skink have been discovered there. Southern Discoveries’ financial support and volunteer work is also helping protect native species like the whio (Blue Duck) and helping to encourage the return of bellbirds, tui and kiwi.

We’re very excited to be part of this unique conservation initiative.

Current Activity

Next check planned in September.

August 2010: 2 rats were caught in the upper part of the valley. The stoats have hopefully gone for the winter.

June 2010:  No stoats were caught this trip but 5 rats and 2 mice were.

April 2010:  Volunteers checked the traps and caught 1 rat and 1 stoat.

March 2010:  Our Southern Discoveries rock climbing identical twins accompanied DOC to the head of Sinbad Gully for a new Skink survey with great results.

February 2010:  First check of the traps and we caught 12 stoats and one rat!

January 2010:  Traps checked and all bait was taken.  Traps rebaited and set.

December 2009:  Traps laid and baited along 7km of Sinbad Gully by Southern Discoveries staff and DOC.

For more information on the Fiordland Conservation Trust and the Sinbad Sanctuary please visit their website.

Donations

If you would like to support the work of Southern Discoveries, the Fiordland Conservation Trust and the Department of Conservation on the Sinbad Sanctuary Project, donations can be made at the Milford Discovery Centre or when you make a booking with Southern Discoveries.