East Benhar Swamp

Description: Densely vegetated rectangular swamp dominated by flax and sedge, near to Lake Tuakitoto Wetlands. 1, 78

Type/Class: Swamp. 2

Size: 1.9 ha.

Altitude: 0-20 m above sea level.

Approximate location: Benhar Road, Benhar | NZTM (centre point): E1353840 N4876100.

Regional Plan: Water for Otago | Schedule 9 Regionally Significant Wetland, no.39, Map F39.

Territorial Authority: Clutha District Council.

 

Interactive map of Wetland East Benhar Swamp

Recorded Values

Value Description
A1 Habitat for nationally or internationally rare or threatened species or communities. Fernbird (Bowdleria punctata) inhabit the wetland and habitat for Marsh Crake (Porzana pusilla affinis) (both have threat classifications of ‘sparse’). 78
A5 Scarce in Otago in terms of its ecological or physical character. Less than 15% of swamps remain in Otago. 2
A6 Highly valued by Kai Tahu for cultural and spiritual beliefs, values and uses, including mahika kai and waahi taoka. Wetland highly valued by Kai Tahu for its historical associations, and as a traditional food gathering area. 1
A9 Significant hydrological values including maintaining water quality or low flows, or reducing flood flows. Lake Tuakitoto and surrounding wetlands perform a valuable hydrological function. Serves as a flood ponding area and is an integral part of the Lower Clutha Flood Control and Drainage Scheme. 1
A2 - A4, A7, A8 No relevant information is currently held by the ORC.

 

Other Information

  • Dominated by flax and sedges, with a few cabbage trees/kouka (Cordyline australis) and mingimingi (Coprosma propinqua). 2

 

 

Aerial View of East Benhar Swamp (March 2006)

 

 

East Benhar Swamp (November 2007) 51

 

 

East Benhar Swamp (March 2006) 51

 

References

1 Otago Regional Council (2004) Regional Plan: Water for Otago. Published by the Otago Regional Council, Dunedin.

2 Ausseil, A.G., Newsome, P., Johnson, P. (2008) Wetland Mapping in the Otago Region. Landcare Research Contract Report prepared for the Otago Regional Council.

51 Otago Regional Council – Photo Archive.

78 Biodiversity Officer (2005) Biodiversity funding to fence and legally protect two hectares of flax swamp at Benhar, Lake Tuakitoto. Report No. 2006/675 – Report for the Environmental Science Committee. Otago Regional Council, Dunedin.