DOCSLIB.ORG

2009 Tasman Anatoki Report(PDF, 207

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
2009 Tasman Anatoki Report(PDF, 207 ERMANZ Report: Verified Source: Pestlink Operational Report for Possum Control in the Anatoki 11 Oct 2009 - 30 Oct 2009 11/03/2010 Department of Conservation Golden Bay Contents 1. Operation Summary...................................................................................................2 2. Introduction................................................................................................................3 2.1 TREATMENT AREA .........................................................................................3 2.2 MANAGEMENT HISTORY...............................................................................5 3 Outcomes and Targets .................................................................................................6 3.1 CONSERVATION OUTCOMES........................................................................6 3.2 TARGETS ............................................................................................................6 3.2.1 Result Targets.................................................................................................6 3.2.2 Outcome Targets............................................................................................6 4 Consultation, Consents & Notifications .......................................................................6 4.1 CONSULTATION...............................................................................................6 4.2 CONSENTS .........................................................................................................9 4.3 NOTIFICATION.................................................................................................9 5 Methods.....................................................................................................................10 5.1 TARGET SPECIES............................................................................................10 5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS .......................................................................14 5.2.1 Effects on Non-Target Species .....................................................................14 5.2.2 Effects on Soil and Water Quality.................................................................14 5.2.3 Effects on Ecosystems..................................................................................15 5.2.4 Effects on Human Health.............................................................................15 6 Monitoring Results and Outcomes .............................................................................15 6.1 RESULT MONITORING - TARGET SPECIES ..............................................15 6.2 RESULT MONITORING - ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS..........................17 6.3 OUTCOME MONITORING ............................................................................18 Page 2 of 19 1. Operation Summary Operation Name Possum Control in Anatoki Operation Date 11 Oct 2009 - 30 Oct 2009 Area Office Golden Bay Conservancy: Nelson Marlborough Pestlink Reference 0910GDB03 Treatment Area Size (ha) Anatoki 11129.00 Conservation Unit Name(s) Conservation Unit Number(s) Kahurangi National Park M27001 Treatment Block Details Treatment Blocks Size (ha) Aerial 1080 Non-Prefeed 7131.00 Aerial 1080 Prefeed 3998.00 Contractor Name Beck Helicopters Ltd Treatment Dates Start Completion Aerial 1080 Non-Prefeed 30 Oct 2009 30 Oct 2009 Aerial 1080 Prefeed 11 Oct 2009 30 Oct 2009 Target Pest Details Treatment Control Target Pests Name Blocks Method Aerial 1080 Pesticide Aerial Pesticide - Aerial in Aerial Non-Prefeed 1080 Non-Prefeed-(1) Aerial 1080 Pesticide Aerial Pesticide - Aerial in Aerial Prefeed 1080 Prefeed -(2) Conservation Outcome(s) The primary conservation objective of this sustained operation is to maintain and improve densities of three species of native giant land snail; Powelliphanta “Anatoki Range”, Powelliphanta hochstetteri anatokiensis , and Powelliphanta superba superba towards viable population densities. Result Target(s) Treatment Area/Block What we got • To reduce Anatoki Monitoring due 2012 possums to < 1% RTC within the operational area immediately following the Pestlink Ref: 0910GDB03 Date Printed: 18 Mar 2010 Page 3 of 19 operation. • To achieve < 1% Anatoki 0% +/- 0% tracking index for rats in tracking tunnels within the prefeed operational area but excluding the partial waterway exclusion zone immediately following the operation • To achieve a Anatoki Required level of carcass and required level of bait decay decay of caged possum carcasses and baits to enable termination of the operation Caution Period Outcome Targets What we got • To increase the average density of Monitoring scheduled for Powelliphanta “Anatoki Range”, Powelliphanta January 2011 hochstetteri anatokiensis and Powelliphanta superba superba consistent with recommendations for long term recovery goal target densities • To achieve a significant increase between years Monitoring scheduled for in the mean longest shoot measurement for all January 2011 monitored plants of Peraxilla tetrapetala. 2. Introduction 2.1 TREATMENT AREA Non-target species Common Name Scientific Name Target benefit species Pestlink Ref: 0910GDB03 Date Printed: 18 Mar 2010 Page 4 of 19 Common Name Scientific Name Large land snail Powelliphanta superba superba Powelliphanta hochstetteri Large land snail anatokiensis Snail Powelliphanta "Anatoki Range" Scarlet mistletoe Peraxilla colensoi Red mistletoe, pikirangi, Peraxilla tetrapetala pirirangi, pikiraki, pirita Yellow mistletoe Alepis flavida Pitpat Pittosporum patulum Blue Duck, Whio Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos Threatened species Common Name Scientific Name Kea Nestor notabilis Western Weka Gallirallus australis australis South Island Kaka Nestor meridionalis meridionalis Great spotted kiwi Apteryx haastii Blue Duck, Whio Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos Bush falcon Falco novaeseelandiae "bush" Kahurangi kohuhu Pittosporum dallii Rock Wren Xenicus gilviventris Melicytus aff. alpinus (i) (CHR - 541569; "Blondin") Geographical location The Anatoki is situated 10 km SW of Takaka. TREATMENT BLOCK DETAILS: Treatment block Aerial 1080 Non-Prefeed The area’s vegetation pattern reflects a strong altitudinal gradient between lowland mixed podocarp-beech (red/hard) /broadleaved forest at the river valleys to beech-southern rata and pure mountain beech at higher elevations. Above treeline areas of tussock land and scree rock were excluded from the operational area where possible. The lowland forests are comprised of mixed podocarps, beech and Vegetation type broad-leaved species, especially Dacrydium cupressinum , Prumnopitys taxifolia , Metrosideros robusta and Weinmannia racemosa and Podocarpus totara At higher altitudes Nothofagus menziesii dominates with (Nothofagus solandri var. cliffortioides occurring in pure stands on ridges at higher altitudes. The shrub tier consists of common forest shrub species (e.g. Coprosma spp., Pseudowintera colorata, Leucopogon fasciculatus). Bioclimatic zone sub-montane montane lowland Pestlink Ref: 0910GDB03 Date Printed: 18 Mar 2010 Page 5 of 19 Climate characteristics: Rainfall 4000 mm Temperature: Average Summer 12.0 Average Winter 8.0 Snow level 1200 m Altitude 250 - 1780 m The operational area is bisected by the Anatoki Forks track leading to the Anatoki Forks hut. The Boulder Lake hut is on the boundary of the area and provides access to the Douglas Range along unmarked high altitude route. Tramping is confined predominately to the summer periods because of the exposed route. Limited deer hunting Community and Iwi occurs in the central Anatoki Valley and treeline areas of the interests surrounding range tops. Access to the operational area is facilitated by 2wd road access to within c. 3.5 km of the operational boundary along the Anatoki Track. Some recreational deer hunting occurs based on access along the Anatoki Forks track and via helicopter access to the tops. No sites of significance for Maori. No known archaeological or historic sites are located within the Historic sites control area. Treatment block Aerial 1080 Prefeed Lowland mixed podocarp-beech (red/hard) /broadleaved forest Vegetation type dominate the river valleys intergrading to beech-southern rata at higher elevations. Bioclimatic zone sub-montane lowland Climate characteristics: Rainfall 4000 mm Temperature: Average Summer 15.0 Average Winter 8.0 Snow level 1500 m Altitude 250-1200 m The operational area is bisected by the Anatoki Forks track leading to the Anatoki Forks hut. Tramping is confined predominately to the Community and Iwi summer periods. Access to the operational area is facilitated by 2wd interests road access to within c. 3.5 km of the operational boundary along the Anatoki Track. Some recreational deer hunting occurs based on access along the Anatoki Forks track. No sites of significance for Maori. Gold workings in the mid -Anatoki valley from the mid 1880's. Visible Historic sites trailing mounds and gold workings. 2.2 MANAGEMENT HISTORY Pestlink Ref: 0910GDB03 Date Printed: 18 Mar 2010 Page 6 of 19 Management history was not chosen to be shown in this operational report. This history is, however, available via Pestlink 3 Outcomes and Targets 3.1 CONSERVATION OUTCOMES The primary conservation objective of this sustained operation is to maintain and improve densities of three species of native giant land snail; Powelliphanta “Anatoki Range”, Powelliphanta hochstetteri anatokiensis , and Powelliphanta superba superba towards viable population densities. 3.2 TARGETS 3.2.1 Result Targets The result targets
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Copy 3 of Janszoon Toolboxes
    Invertebrates in the Abel Tasman National Park The terrestrial biodiversity in the Abel Tasman National Park is awesome! Listed below are some of the species commonly found in the park. See the species identification pages to find out more about each one. Also look for the instructions on how to attract invertebrates into your garden with wētā motels and wooden disks. Invertebrates About 97% of all known animals are invertebrates! Invertebrates are animals without a backbone/spine and are the most varied group of animals on the planet. Most invertebrates in New Zealand are found nowhere else in the world and there are thousands of invertebrates species in New Zealand. Invertebrates are an important part of ecosystems to help to keep the balance in nature in numerous ways. They are responsible for pollinating plants, recycling nutrientsSOCIAL and MEDIA keeping population of other living things stable. Some break FOLLOWERSdown pollutants, build and maintain soils and deal with natural waste. Invertebrates are an important food source for many animals such asVISITORS native birds, frogs, lizards, fish and bats. Some invertebrates also eat other invertebrates (e.g. dragonflies eat mosquitoes). Without invertebratesVENDORS ecosystems AND could not survive: they are essential for a healthy environmentEXHIBITORS . In the Abel Tasman National ParkMEDIA we see ATENDEES invertebrates such as: wētā, snails - powelliphanta hochstetteri & rhytida oconnori, giant earthworm, leaf-veined slug & cicadas. Image: Experiencing invertebrates in your green spaces, p26, Department of Conservation, te papa atawhai Rhytida oconnori Habitat New Zealand rhytida snails typically live under fern or leaf litter and in damp rock piles in unmodified native forest, and under tussock or scrub in the subalpine zone.
    [Show full text]
  • Husbandry of the Carnivorous Land Snail, Powelliphanta Augusta (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Rhytdidae)
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by ResearchArchive at Victoria University of Wellington Husbandry of the Carnivorous Land Snail, Powelliphanta augusta (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Rhytdidae) By Thomas Edward Allan A thesis submitted to the Victoria University of Wellington in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Ecological Restoration Victoria University of Wellington 2010 1 Abstract Key aspects of the captive husbandry of Powelliphanta augusta, a newly-described New Zealand land snail are investigated: how they should be managed and fed to provide individuals for release, and how a long-term captive population can be maintained as an insurance against extinction in the wild. This project arises from almost all members of this species having been brought into captivity due to their displacement in the wild by an opencast coalmine. Powelliphanta (F: Rhytididae) is a genus of endemic carnivorous snails, which includes 10 species, 27 subspecies and numerous undescribed taxa. As well as its diversity, Powelliphanta is renowned for the large size of its members (up to 90mm diameter) and their attractively-patterned shells. Most taxa are threatened due to habitat loss and predation by introduced mammalian predators. The study commences with a literature review to refine husbandry methods and to assess requirements for captive breeding of snails. From this review investigations are made into stocking densities, substrate, reproductive biology, body condition and growth of the P. augusta captive population. To determine an appropriate stocking density for P. augusta groups of six snails were kept at two densities; with either 720cm2, or 1440cm2 per group.
    [Show full text]
  • Hon Eugenie Sage
    Hon Eugenie Sage Minister of Conservation Minita mō Te Papa Atawhai EMBARGOED UNTIL 08:00 13 March 2019 PĀNUI PĀPĀHO MEDIA STATEMENT Mokihinui River catchment land to be added to Kahurangi National Park Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage today announced the largest addition of land to an existing national park in New Zealand’s history. A total of 64,400 hectares of conservation land in the Mokihinui River catchment on the West Coast north of Westport, including 15 km of riverbed, is being added to Kahurangi National Park. “Adding this area, roughly half the size of Auckland City, to Kahurangi is the largest addition of land to an existing national park in New Zealand’s history,” Eugenie Sage said. “National park status will ensure stronger protection of the Mokihinui area’s significant cultural, ecological, historic and recreational values. “A hydro-electric dam was proposed for the Mokihinui River in 2007. The hydro scheme attracted considerable public interest and strong opposition because of its environmental impacts. It would have flooded the Mokihinui Gorge and inundated beech-podocarp forests and significant habitats of threatened plants and wildlife such as whio/blue duck, kaka, bats and giant land snails. “A big thanks to the many New Zealanders and the Department of Conservation who spoke up for the river, its gorge, dramatic landscapes, beech-podocarp forests and set out the reasons they deserved protection from a hydro dam. “Today’s announcement is only possible because of that work and advocacy. It is why our Government can now give the Mokihinui Gorge, and the surrounding lands, forests, and mountains the strong protection that comes with being part of a national park.
    [Show full text]
  • Distribution and Status of Native Carnivorous Land Snails in The
    5. Results 5.1 SUMMARY OF SPECIES DISTRIBUTIONS The distribution database contains 1187 locality records, 927 for Rhytida and 260 for Wainuia, including some duplicates. Six percent of all records are of subfossils, mostly from cave deposits. Fig. 2 shows the combined occurrence of all species by 10 000 m x 10 000 m grid square. At least one species was recorded from 406 grid squares (391 excluding subfossil records). Rhytida species were recorded in 333 squares (318 excluding subfossils) and Wainuia species in 94 squares (90 excluding subfossils). The number of 10 000 m x 10 000 m grid squares containing records of each species or subspecies ranged from 2 to 105 (Table 1). Subfossil records extended the known range to additional grid squares in 12 of the 17 taxa. Generalised range maps for all taxa are presented for quick reference in Fig. 3. The distributions are mapped in detail in Fig. 4 (see Appendix 4) and discussed in the species accounts (Appendix 4). 5.2 ASSESSMENT OF CONSERVATION STATUS Data relevant to conservation status are discussed in the species notes (Appendix 4). Direct assessment of population trends is not currently possible as no population study has been conducted for any species of Wainuia or Rhytida. A tentative priority ranking was therefore performed using the scoring system adopted for other invertebrates in Department of Conservation (1994b). The results provide a coarse and somewhat subjective indication of conservation priorities (Table 2). They can be criticised for failing to adequately incorporate uncertainty in our present knowledge, and for not identifying critically threatened populations within some species or subspecies.
    [Show full text]
  • Distribution and Status of Native Carnivorous Land Snails in the Genera Wainuia and Rhytida
    Distribution and status of native carnivorous land snails in the genera Wainuia and Rhytida SCIENCE FOR CONSERVATION: 101 Murray Efford Published by Department of Conservation P.O. Box 10-420 Wellington, New Zealand Science for Conservation presents the results of investigations by DOC staff, and by contracted science providers outside the Department of Conservation. Publications in this series are internally and externally peer reviewed. © December 1998, Department of Conservation ISSN 11732946 ISBN 0478217714 This publication originated from work done under Department of Conservation Investigation no. 790, carried out by Murray Efford, Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research, Private Bag 1930, Dunedin. It was approved for publication by the Director, Science & Research Unit, Science Technology and Information Services, Department of Conservation, Wellington. Cataloguing in Publication Efford, M. G. Distribution and status of native carnivorous land snails in the genera Wainuia and Rhytida / Murray Efford. Wellington, N.Z. : Dept. of Conservation, 1998. 1 v. ; 30 cm. (Science for conservation, 11732946 ; 101.) Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 0478217714 1. SnailsNew Zealand. 2. Rhytididae. I. Title. II. Series: Science for conservation (Wellington, N.Z.) ; 101. 594.30993 20 zbn98112337 CONTENTS Abstract 5 1. Introduction 5 2. Background 5 2.1 Systematics 9 Species-level taxonomy 9 2.2 Previous research on Wainuia and Rhytida 12 2.3 Conservation status 12 3. Objectives 15 4. Methods 13 5. Results 14 5.1 Summary of species distributions 14 5.2 Assessment of conservation status 14 6. Discussion 14 6.1 Distribution 14 6.2 Conservation 18 General policy 18 Vulnerable populations 18 General management needs 19 7. Recommendations 20 8.
    [Show full text]
  • Recovery Plans for Powelliphanta Land Snails
    Recovery plans for Powelliphanta land snails 2003–2013 THREATENED SPECIES RECOVERY PLAN 49 By Kath Walker Published by: Department of Conservation P O Box 10-420 Wellington, New Zealand Illustrations Front cover: Powelliphanta lignaria lignaria. Photograph by Rod Morris. Back cover: Variety of Powelliphanta species. Photograph by Gideon Climo. Cartoon p. vii: Andrew Jeffs Line drawing p. ix: Powelliphanta superba mouatae by Pauline Morse Species identification photographs by Gideon Climo, Kath Walker and Tim Skinner. Species distribution maps and snail identification photographs prepared for publication by Graeme Elliott © Copyright June 2003, New Zealand Department of Conservation ISSN 1170-3806 ISBN 0–478–22418–4 This work may be cited as: Walker, K. J. 2003: Recovery plans for Powelliphanta land snails. Threatened Species Recovery Plan 49. Department of Conservation, Wellington, x + 208 p. + 64 plates. CONTENTS Abstract 1 1. Background 2 1.1 Introduction 2 1.2 How many species are there? 3 1.3 The biology and ecology of Powelliphanta 4 1.4 Are Powelliphanta populations declining? 5 1.5 Causes of snail decline 6 1.5.1 Habitat destruction 6 1.5.2 Predators 6 1.6 Are translocations a solution to snail decline? 8 1.7 Current conservation status 9 2. Powelliphanta recovery plan scope, goal and issues 10 3. The recovery plans 13 3.1 Powelliphanta marchanti 14 3.2 Powelliphanta “Maungaharuru” 19 3.3 Powelliphanta traversi traversi 23 3.4 Powelliphanta traversi florida 27 3.5 Powelliphanta traversi latizona 29 3.6 Powelliphanta traversi tararuaensis
    [Show full text]
  • Impacts of Mountain Bikers on Powelliphanta Snails Along the Heaphy Track, Kahurangi National Park – Season 2014
    Impacts of mountain bikers on Powelliphanta snails along the Heaphy Track, Kahurangi National Park – Season 2014 Report prepared by: Sonya McArthur, Ingrid Gruner Date: 20 November 2014 Reference: DOCDM-1514375 Powelliphanta superba harveyi- Heaphy Track near James Mackay Hut, 05/06/2013. Abstract The impact of mountain bikers on Powelliphanta land snails along the Heaphy Track was monitored at the end of the 2014 season. This monitoring was considered necessary because of the high threat status of many of the Powelliphanta species. The monitoring showed that the impact on Powelliphanta by mountain bikers and other track users is minimal. Predation has a much more significant impact on the species. It is recommended that the monitoring be discontinued. Snail signs should be placed in areas of high snail density. DOCDM: 1514375 1 Introduction Powelliphanta land snails are in serious decline and many of the species found along the Heaphy Track are nationally endangered. A number of Powelliphanta species may be found along the Heaphy Track. These are: Powelliphanta annectens (serious decline); P. superba prouseorum (nationally endangered); P. superba “Gunner River” (nationally endangered); P. superba harveyi (nationally endangered); P. superba mouatae (nationally endangered); P. superba richardsoni (nationally endangered); P. gilliesi “Heaphy” (nationally endangered); and P. gilliesi jamesoni (nationally endangered) (Hitchmough 2002). Powelliphanta are naturally preyed upon by weka, but are now also subject to predation by a suite of introduced species such as thrush, possum, ship rats, pigs and hedgehogs. Predation by these introduced predators has been identified as one of the key threats to the persistence of Powelliphanta species (Walker 2003).
    [Show full text]
  • A Case Study on the Distribution of Native Land Snails in the Abel Tasman National Park
    A case study on the distribution of native land snails in the Abel Tasman National Park Background The Abel Tasman National Park is home to two endangered carnivorous land snail species: Powelliphanta hochstetteri hochstetteri (yellow based, fig. 1) and Rhytida oconneri. Northwest Nelson and Westland are national strongholds for Powelliphanta snails, which are endemic to New Zealand and in gradual decline (Hitchmough et al. 2007). R. oconnori is critically endangered (Mahlfeld et al. 2012), which puts them on a level with species like kakapo, Maui´s dolphins and New Zealand sea lions. The distribution of R. oconneri is limited to upland areas in the Abel Tasman and a few adjacent places in Golden Bay. Snails are most vulnerable to predators like rats and possums, but also to pigs, which additionally destroy the habitat through intensive rooting. Hedgehogs, thrushes and weka are also known to predate on snails. Both snail species are known to be present in the area around Canaan Downs and Harwoods Hole, and previous monitoring of the snails using diurnal subsurface plots indicates that populations in these areas are declining (Ogle 2017). Predation is the most likely cause for this development. A dense network of stoat traps is containing mustelids over the entire park, but possums and rats are believed to be the main predators for snails. The Canaan area is outside the area where Project Janszoon is undertaking intensive control of possums and rats. In order to develop a strategy to protect the snails, we needed to learn more about their distribution. The objective was to investigate if alternative strongholds for both snail species existed within the area where rats and possums are managed by Project Janszoon.
    [Show full text]
  • REVIEW Good Predators: the Roles of Weka (Gallirallus Australis)
    1New Zealand Journal of Ecology (2021) 45(1): 3425 © 2021 New Zealand EcologicalNew Society. Zealand Journal of Ecology, Vol. 45, No. 1, 2021 REVIEW Good predators: the roles of weka (Gallirallus australis) in New Zealand’s past and present ecosystems Joanna K. Carpenter1* , John G. Innes2 , Jamie R. Wood3 , and Phil O’B. Lyver3 1Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Private Bag 1930, Dunedin, New Zealand 2Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Private Bag 3127, Hamilton, New Zealand 3Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Lincoln, 7640, New Zealand *Corresponding author (Email: [email protected]) Published online: 18 November 2020 Abstract: There is increasing interest in restoring native predators in order to regulate ecosystems and maintain biodiversity, but predator reintroductions are still controversial for complex social and ecological reasons. Few studies have examined predator restoration on islands or in ecosanctuaries, where highly endemic faunas have typically undergone precipitous declines and extinctions due to novel invasive predators, and translocations are used to restore species. Currently in New Zealand, discussions regarding predators typically focus on introduced mammalian pests, and the importance of native predators is frequently overlooked. We present a case study of the mesopredatory New Zealand weka (Gallirallus australis), a threatened flightless rail that provokes controversy among restoration practitioners due to concerns that it may decrease populations of other threatened species. We (1) review studies of weka diet and impacts on native and exotic fauna; (2) contrast prehistoric and contemporary predation webs focused on weka; and (3) consider the role of biocultural approaches in the management and restoration of socio-ecological systems with weka. Weka are opportunistic omnivores that can include vertebrates in their diet, and on small islands where weka can reach high densities there is some evidence that they may limit some prey populations.
    [Show full text]
  • Monitoring Strategies for the Giant Land Snail Powelliphanta Traversi
    Copyright is owned by the Author of the thesis. Permission is given for a copy to be downloaded by an individual for the purpose of research and private study only. The thesis may not be reproduced elsewhere without the permission of the Author. Monitoring strategies for the giant land snail Powelliphanta traversi tararuaensis (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Rhytididae): an assessment and exploration of current and future techniques. A thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Conservation Biology at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Rachel Lynn Turner 2011 Abstract The current monitoring strategy employed in the management of Powelliphanta traversi tararuaensis, a threatened species of giant carnivorous land snail from the Manawatu region of New Zealand, was used to assess the state of two remaining population strongholds – Shannon Forest and Ohau. Conservation targets were found to be amiss in the Shannon Forest population. Average abundance of live P. t. tararuaensis there measured well below the recovery goal set by the Powelliphanta Recovery Plan. A decline in recruitment was also noted for the Shannon population, with the average size of snails found increasing between the surveys, and a significant drop in numbers of smaller individuals. P. t. tararuaensis populations in Ohau were found to be healthier with respect to conservation goals, with two study areas within the site having live P. t. tararuaensis numbers well above the target for recovery. Questions were then asked about the current monitoring program for Powelliphanta, in particular concerning the apparent destructive nature of the methodology and the lack of collection of detailed data on life history parameters and population dynamics.
    [Show full text]
  • 2. Possum Effects on Biodiversity
    Index to the Rare Bits Newsletters about Threatened Species Work - 2. POSSUM EFFECTS ON BIODIVERSITY Vol., Date Page Conservancy 2. Possum Effects on Biodiversity Quotes Monitoring of Dactylanthus..At Te Kopia, even with low possum numbers following last winter’s 1080 operation any uncaged flowers were still 37 Jun -00 4 destroyed. kokako: Hunua Ranges Management Block: There were seven nesting attempts, of which five failed due to flooding and suspected harrier and 48 Apr -03 4 possum predation. Moturemu Island: there are a number of seedlings that have germinated from the natural seedbank on the island. These are in a natural tree 45 Jun-02 4 Auckland gap that has been kept open by trimming back native foliage (pohutukawa and houpara). [browsing increasing biodiversity] Dactylanthus: where most plants are caged, flowering was average with little sign of animal activity... where only a few plants are caged, flowering was monitored to see what effect the previous winter’s 1080 operation would have on flowering success. With significant flower damage occurring as expected, a trapper was employed, and nine possums were removed from the area, four of which had bracts present in their stomachs. This possum cull enabled some of the later developing flowers to survive..On the Mamaku plateau a possum gut survey occurred in late March in several reserves where Dactylanthus was thought to be present. Although several possum stomachs were 41 Jun -01 7 Bay of Plenty investigated for staining none contained Dactylanthus flowers. discovery of Peraxilla tetrapetala on Quintinia serrata at the northern Mamaku plateau in the Opuiaki Ecological Area (part of the Kaimai- Mamaku Forest Park), and in Te Kopia Scenic Reserve on the Paeroa Range near Reporoa.
    [Show full text]
  • Kahurangi National Park Visitor Information
    Kahurangi National Park visitor information Introduction Wilderness, diversity and sanctuary—these are the Kahurangi is New Zealand’s thirteenth national images that best describe Kahurangi National Park. park. Its formation came after years of lobbying by Formed in 1996, it protects much of the north-western conservation groups, seeking an internationally corner of the South Island. Weaving through the recognised status for the area which would better park, is a network of tracks from the easy to the very protect its natural values. For 30 years, most of its challenging. The oldest and the most famous is the 452,002 hectares were part of a forest park, for a long Heaphy Track. A number of interesting short walks time administered by the New Zealand Forest Service. cater for the day-tripper. But with the (1987) formation of the Department of Conservation came the opportunity to reassess the area’s values. If any part of New Zealand ever perfectly History met the criteria for national park status, Kahurangi is it. The natural diversity of Kahurangi and its importance as a wilderness area are a result of its size and its diverse and ancient geology. Kahurangi is How to get there New Zealand’s second largest natural protected area; it Motueka, Murchison, Karamea has some of the country’s oldest rocks and landforms, and Takaka are the gateways to Nelson and spectacular areas of limestone and marble Kahurangi. Roads extend from sculptured into caves, arches and stunning outcrops by these towns to the park; some water. require a little care and may be Christchurch The variety of rock types, coupled with the range closed after snow or heavy rain.
    [Show full text]