The dry grasslands on Environment Canterbury leased land contain some very rare native plant and animal communities. For example the plains tree daisy Olearia adenocarpa, which only occurs on the council’s Waimakariri Reserves and Rakaia Island is one of at least 4 threatened plants occurring on the council’s reserves.
 
In the dry grasslands there are several types of plant communities which were formerly widespread and are almost gone from lowland Canterbury. Examples are a savannah-like grassland featuring scattered kowhai trees, matagouri, native broom and other shrubs on very stony ground, kanuka patches adorned with native clematis, ground covering turf plants on low sand dunes, and heath-like plant communities. These plant communities are hosts for many animals some of which are rare, including birds, lizards, insects, and spiders.

For further assistance please contact Customer Services on 03 353 9007 or toll free on 0800 324 636. You can also visit our website www.ecan.govt.nz