DOCSLIB.ORG

New Zealand's Indigenous Forests and Shrublands

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
New Zealand's Indigenous Forests and Shrublands 1.2 INDIGENOUS FORESTS NEW ZEALAND’S INDIGENOUS FORESTS AND SHRUBLANDS Robert B. Allen, Peter J. Bellingham, Robert J. Holdaway, Susan K. Wiser Landcare Research, PO Box 69040, Lincoln 7640, New Zealand ABSTRACT: New Zealand’s remaining indigenous forests and shrublands are of immense cultural, environmental, and economic signifi - cance. Their composition, structure, and function are driven by a diverse array of factors, many of which are complexly interrelated. The imprint of disturbances is pervasive and it is necessary to understand disturbances to interpret anthropogenic impacts. For example, understanding impacts of exotic browsing mammals is only possible if they are placed in the context of forest development and tree demographic processes. Recently, a representative plot-based sample of the country’s indigenous forests and shrublands has allowed an unbiased depiction of their composition and structure that is needed for international reporting, performance assessment and manage- ment prioritisation. There are now extensive areas of shrublands successional to forest, often composed of novel mixtures of indigenous and exotic species. These shrublands provide expanded opportunities for ecosystem services from, for example, carbon sequestration to water quality. An increasing area of indigenous forests and shrublands is managed for distinctive Māori aspirations that include sustain- able use. Key words: composition, disturbance, forests, function, management, structure, trends. INTRODUCTION The current forest area represents a >70% reduction from the New Zealand’s indigenous forests and shrublands currently prehuman state (c. 800 years ago) due to historical fi re, forest cover c. 23% and 10% of New Zealand’s 27-million-hectare clearance, and logging (e.g. Wardle 1991). The expanding infl u- land surface respectively (Thompson et al. 2004). These largely ence of humans continues to have wide-ranging stand-level, evergreen forests have four major physiognomic elements: local or regional effects, for example those brought about by Nothofagus spp. (beech), broadleaved angiosperm trees, Agathis invasive species (e.g. Allen and Lee 2006), while others have an australis (kauri), and other conifers (predominantly podocarps) even broader infl uence, for example those brought about by an (Cockayne 1928; Wardle 1991). Warm temperate forests in the increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration. It is often diffi cult, north give way to cool temperate forests further south (Cockayne however, to determine why the structure, composition, and func- 1926) and tree species richness also decreases from north to south tioning of forests is changing. Such changes can be correlated (McGlone et al. 2010). Hence some of the dominant trees of with many factors (Table 1), some of which are relatively well warm temperate forests, such as kauri and taraire (Beilschmiedia characterised as they are easy to measure (e.g. precipitation), tarairi), are restricted to north of latitude 38°S (Wardle 1991). while others we know little about (e.g. individual species’ effects Subalpine shrublands occupy the zone between montane forests on ecosystems). Often these factors are themselves correlated and alpine grasslands and there are also extensive areas of so it is challenging to defi ne causal relationships. This chapter lowland and montane shrublands that are successional to forest fi rst describes what we know about how disturbance, and related (Wardle 1991). factors (Table 1), drive change in indigenous forests and shrub- lands, then defi nes the structure and composition of current TABLE 1 Factors commonly shown to infl uence the structure, composition forests, what factors these relate to, and how they are changing, and functioning of forests and shrublands. Some of the variables commonly and fi nally considers the consequences of their management for measured to represent these factors are given, as well as some of the mecha- ecosystem services. Our emphasis is on an ecosystem process nisms through which these factors operate (modifi ed from Allen et al. 2003) perspective, informed by a trait-based approach. Factors Variables Examples of mechanism Disturbance Changes in biomass or Individuals killed of one DISTURBANCE, SUCCESSION, AND ECOSYSTEM number of trees or more species DEVELOPMENT Herbivory Level of defoliation, Reduced photosynthetic Disturbances are a fundamental feature of forest ecosys- individual height ability, nutrient removal tems, promoting their regeneration and the maintenance of growth species diversity, population structure and ecosystem function. Species effects Litter quality, decay Modifi es the abilities of New Zealand’s location at the intersection of large tectonic plates, resistance of woody seeds of other species to for example, means that its vegetation is prone to disturbances debris germinate and grow that can at times be severe and extensive. Climate Temperature, Changes physiological precipitation processes Disturbance types and ecosystem responses Soil Texture, N availability, Infl uences resources cation availability essential for growth and Most of New Zealand’s current indigenous forests bear the development imprints of natural disturbances long past. The current forests, Dispersal Seed dispersal, Seeds do not arrive at an especially in the South Island, still bear the mark of past glacia- available regeneration otherwise suitable site tions. Successive advances of ice sheets in Westland removed niches beech (Nothofagus spp.) from areas where it was present. Beech Time Tree age, relative Species’ differential takes a long time to recolonise from margins because of slow seed biomass longevity spread and dependence on mycorrhizal fungi for establishment Assembly history Species priority effects Facilitation and growth (e.g. Baylis 1980). As a consequence, the forests of 34 Allen RB, Bellingham PJ, Holdaway RJ, Wiser SK 2013. New Zealand’s indigenous forests and shrublands. In Dymond JR ed. Ecosystem services in New Zealand – conditions and trends. Manaaki Whenua Press, Lincoln, New Zealand. INDIGENOUS FORESTS 1.2 central Westland now lack beech. Glaciation also has a rejuve- 1989). Finally, some earthquakes, even those very distant from nating effect because the glacial till includes ground bedrock, New Zealand, cause tsunamis that have almost certainly caused making key mineral nutrients such as phosphorus more available deforestation in coastal regions (e.g. D’Costa et al. 2011). as glaciers retreat. Hence at Franz Josef a series of forest land- The hilly and mountainous regions of New Zealand are scapes have developed, from very recent advances (the Little Ice prone to landslides caused not only by earthquakes but also by Age of the 1600s) through to terraces that were last under glaciers storms and avalanches. Major storms attend prevailing westerly more than 100 000 years ago (e.g. Wardle et al. 2004). In this wet wind patterns, but many intense storms also affect eastern parts climate leaching of mineral nutrients is rapid, and in the absence of New Zealand. Extra-tropical cyclones affect forests in the of glaciation, phosphorus in particular becomes limiting. Thus the northern North Island disproportionately, but periodically intense forests on recently glaciated soils are highly productive and have cyclones track even to high latitudes (Martin and Ogden 2006). a number of species, especially broadleaved species, that depend All such storms can cause landslides locally, and sometimes on ready access to nutrients. In contrast, with all else equal (e.g. over extensive areas, for example during Cyclone Bola of 1988 climate), the forests on soils last under glaciers 120 000 years ago (Page et al. 1999). Finally, high uplift rates coupled with unstable are dominated by slow-growing conifers that can access scarce bedrock can result in large landslides with no obvious triggers. nutrients (e.g. Richardson et al. 2004; Holdaway et al. 2011). One such event deforested 20 hectares on the slopes of Mt Adams In the North Island, the current forests are strongly infl uenced in Westland in 1999 (Hancox et al. 2005). Intense rainfall events by the effects of past volcanic eruptions, especially in the central in river headwaters, coupled with landslides, and especially the North Island. The Taupō Eruption in AD 232 was one of the largest occlusion of gorges by debris and their subsequent breaching, can in the world over the last 5000 years, depositing pumice over cause signifi cant damage to riparian and fl oodplain forests. most of New Zealand and causing devastating pyroclastic fl ows The new parent material deposited by rivers across fl ood- and outbreaks of fi re that destroyed over 30 000 km2 of forest plains has high available concentrations of some nutrients, such (e.g. Wilmshurst and McGlone 1996). The rhyolitic ignimbrite as phosphorus, but is very low in nitrogen and organic matter. and pumice deposits from past eruptions are relatively infer- Shrubs such as tutu (Coriaria arborea) and native broom tile whereas the more common andesitic ash showers produce (Carmichaelia spp.) have symbionts on their roots that overcome fertile deposits and these have a large infl uence on the kinds of nutrient limitation by fi xing atmospheric nitrogen. These shrubs forests that develop. The ash showers from more recent smaller are often abundant on young fl oodplains; their nitrogen-rich litter eruptions since the Taupō Eruption, such as from Kaharoa in AD enhances soil development (e.g. Bellingham et al. 2005). Canopy 1314 and more recently from Tarawera
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Pollination Drop in Relation to Cone Morphology in Podocarpaceae: a Novel Reproductive Mechanism Author(S): P
    Pollination Drop in Relation to Cone Morphology in Podocarpaceae: A Novel Reproductive Mechanism Author(s): P. B. Tomlinson, J. E. Braggins, J. A. Rattenbury Source: American Journal of Botany, Vol. 78, No. 9 (Sep., 1991), pp. 1289-1303 Published by: Botanical Society of America Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2444932 . Accessed: 23/08/2011 15:47 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at . http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact [email protected]. Botanical Society of America is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to American Journal of Botany. http://www.jstor.org AmericanJournal of Botany 78(9): 1289-1303. 1991. POLLINATION DROP IN RELATION TO CONE MORPHOLOGY IN PODOCARPACEAE: A NOVEL REPRODUCTIVE MECHANISM' P. B. TOMLINSON,2'4 J. E. BRAGGINS,3 AND J. A. RATTENBURY3 2HarvardForest, Petersham, Massachusetts 01366; and 3Departmentof Botany, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand Observationof ovulatecones at thetime of pollinationin the southernconiferous family Podocarpaceaedemonstrates a distinctivemethod of pollencapture, involving an extended pollinationdrop. Ovules in all generaof the family are orthotropousand singlewithin the axil of each fertilebract. In Microstrobusand Phyllocladusovules are-erect (i.e., the micropyle directedaway from the cone axis) and are notassociated with an ovule-supportingstructure (epimatium).Pollen in thesetwo genera must land directly on thepollination drop in theway usualfor gymnosperms, as observed in Phyllocladus.In all othergenera, the ovule is inverted (i.e., the micropyleis directedtoward the cone axis) and supportedby a specializedovule- supportingstructure (epimatium).
    [Show full text]
  • Exploring the Source-To-Sink Residence Time of Terrestrial Pollen Deposited Offshore Westland, New Zealand
    ÔØ ÅÒÙ×Ö ÔØ Exploring the source-to-sink residence time of terrestrial pollen deposited offshore Westland, New Zealand Matthew T. Ryan, Rewi M. Newnham, Gavin B. Dunbar, Marcus J. Vandergoes, Andrew B.H. Rees, Helen Neil, S. Louise Callard, Brent V. Alloway, Helen Bostock, Quan Hua, Brian M. Anderson PII: S0034-6667(15)30011-7 DOI: doi: 10.1016/j.revpalbo.2016.03.005 Reference: PALBO 3738 To appear in: Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology Received date: 14 September 2015 Accepted date: 26 March 2016 Please cite this article as: Ryan, Matthew T., Newnham, Rewi M., Dunbar, Gavin B., Vandergoes, Marcus J., Rees, Andrew B.H., Neil, Helen, Callard, S. Louise, Alloway, Brent V., Bostock, Helen, Hua, Quan, Anderson, Brian M., Exploring the source-to-sink residence time of terrestrial pollen deposited offshore Westland, New Zealand, Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology (2016), doi: 10.1016/j.revpalbo.2016.03.005 This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT Exploring the source-to-sink residence time of terrestrial pollen deposited offshore Westland, New Zealand Matthew T. Ryan1, 2, Rewi M. Newnham1, Gavin B. Dunbar 2, Marcus J. Vandergoes 3, Andrew B.H.
    [Show full text]
  • Set 3 Plains Plant List AA
    Food for native birds: HOUHERE – piwakawaka - kohuhu, F = Fruit S = Bird Seed N = Nectar mid age plains system B = Bud/foliage I = Insects For lizards: L = fruit Plant Tolerances ■ = tolerates or needs □ = intolerant ½ = tolerant of some * = to establish, protect from frost t = toxic for toddlers Staging PLANT LISTS Selected from vegetation natural to these moist & deep Waimakariri 1 = 1st structural 2 = 2nd year soils 3 = only after canopy closure Tolerances TALL (NOBLE) TREES (> 10 m) Food sun shade wet dry wind Stages Cordyline australis ti kouka, cabbage tree F,N,I ■ ½ ■ ■ ■ 1 Hoheria angustifolia houhere, narrow-leaved lacebark (semi-decid) I ■ ½ ½ ■ ■ 1 Kunzea ericoides kanuka I ■ □ □ ■ ■ 1 Pittosporum eugenioides tarata, lemonwood F ■ ■ ½ ■ ½ 1 Plagianthus regius manatu, lowland ribbonwood (deciduous) F,I ■ ½ ½ ½ ■ 1 Podocarpus totara totara F ■ ½ ½ ■ ■ 2 Prumnopitys taxifolia matai, black pine F ■ ½ ■ ½ ■ 2 Pseudopanax crassifolius lancewood, horoeka F,N,B,I ■ ½ ½ ■ ■ 2 Sophora microphylla South Island kowhai F,I ■ ½ ½ ■ ■ t 2 SMALL TREES & TALL SHRUBS (> 3 m) Carpodetus serratus putaputaweta, marbleleaf F,I ½ ■ ■ ½ □ 2 Coprosma linariifolia linear-leaved coprosma, yellow-wood F ½ ■ ½ ½ ½ 2 Coprosma robusta karamu F ■ ■ ■ ½ ½ 1 Dodonaea viscosa akeake I ■ ½ □ ■ ■ 1-2* Griselinia littoralis kapuka, broadleaf F,I ■ ■ ½ ■ ■ 2 Leptospermum scoparium manuka, tea tree I ■ □ ■ ■ ■ 1 Lophomyrtus obcordata rohutu, NZ myrtle F,I ½ ■ ½ ½ ½ 2 Melicytus micranthus manakura, shrubby mahoe F,I ½ ■ ½ ½ □ 3 Melicytus ramiflorus mahoe, whiteywood
    [Show full text]
  • Totara Cover Front
    DISCLAIMER In producing this Bulletin reasonable care has been taken to ensure that all statements represent the best information available. However, the contents of this publication are not intended to be a substitute for specific specialist advice on any matter and should not be relied on for that purpose. NEW ZEALAND FOREST RESEARCH INSTITUTE LIMITED and its employees shall not be liable on any ground for any loss, damage, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect result of any reliance by any person upon information contained or opinions expressed in this work. To obtain further copies of this publication, or for information about Forest Research publications, please contact: Publications Officer Forest Research Private Bag 3020 Rotorua New Zealand telephone: +64 7 343 5899 facsimile: +64 7 343 5897 e-mail: [email protected] website: www.forestresearch.co.nz National Library of New Zealand Cataloguing-in-Publication data Bergin, D.O. (David O.) Totara establishment, growth, and management / David Bergin. (New Zealand Indigenous Tree Bulletin, 1176-2632; No.1) Includes bibliographic references. ISBN 0-478-11008-1 1. Podocarpus—New Zealand. 2. Forest management—New Zealand. I. New Zealand Forest Research Institute. II. Title. 585.3—dc 21 Production Team Jonathan Barran — photography Teresa McConchie — layout design John Smith — graphics Ruth Gadgil — technical editing Judy Griffith — editing and layout ISSN 1176-2632 ISBN 0-478-11008-1 © New Zealand Forest Research Institute Limited 2003 Front cover insert: Emergent totara and younger trees along the forest edge in Pureora Forest Park, with mixed shrub species edging the picnic area in the foreground.
    [Show full text]
  • Native Trees Field Guide to New Zealand’S Native Trees
    FIELD GUIDE TO NEW ZEALAND’S NATIVE TREES FIELD GUIDE TO NEW ZEALAND’S NATIVE TREES JOHN DAWSON & ROB LUCAS CONTENTS Introduction 7 Conifers 9 Visual key to conifers 14 Tree ferns 51 Flowering trees 67 This book is derived from New Zealand’s Native Trees by John Dawson and Rob Lucas (2012). Visual key to flowering trees 72 The text was abridged and edited by Sue Hallas. The ‘distinguishing features’ boxes were compiled Glossary 426 by Sue Hallas and Cathy Jones. Thanks to Barry Sneddon and Phil Garnock-Jones for contributing the introductions to conifers and flowering trees Further reading 430 respectively. Thanks also to the photographers who supplied photographs as credited in captions. Index 431 First published in 2012 by Craig Potton Publishing Craig Potton Publishing 98 Vickerman Street, PO Box 555, Nelson, New Zealand www.craigpotton.co.nz Text © John Dawson; photographs © Rob Lucas unless specified otherwise. Design and layout: Jane Connor and Karen Jones Cover design: Chris Chisnall ISBN 978 1 877517 82 2 Printed in China by Everbest This book is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without the permission of the publishers. INTRODUCTION WHAT'S SPECIAL ABOUT mountains near the treeline, beech forests are of- New ZEALAND'S NATIVE TREES ten swathed in mist, and with the constant high AND Forests? humidity, water drips from every twig. At these New Zealand’s native trees and forests are unique. high altitudes, the trees are often stunted and con- They look, smell and feel like no other forests, torted, giving these subalpine beech forests, often which is not surprising, as more than 80% of the referred to as cloud forests or goblin forests, an otherworldly feel.
    [Show full text]
  • Tree Holes in a Mixed Broad-Leaf–Podocarp Rain Forest, New Zealand
    BLAKELY,Available on-line DIDHAM: at: http://www.newzealandecology.org/nzje/ TREE HOLES IN TEMPERATE RAIN FOREST 197 Tree holes in a mixed broad-leaf–podocarp rain forest, New Zealand Tanya J. Blakely* and Raphael K. Didham School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand *Author for correspondence (Email: [email protected]) Published on-line: 27 August 2008 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Abstract: Despite the ecological importance of tree holes as habitat for many species in New Zealand, few studies have quantified the abundance, distribution or structural characteristics of tree holes in native forests. We recorded a total of 364 tree holes in ground-to-canopy surveys on 50 trees of five endemic species in the families Fagaceae and Podocarpaceae within Orikaka Ecological Area, Buller District, New Zealand. Tree holes were not uniformly distributed throughout the forest, with more holes in the three podocarp species Prumnopitys ferruginea, P. taxifolia and Dacrycarpus dacrydioides than in Nothofagus fusca or N. menziesii. However, N. fusca had the largest tree holes of any of the tree species sampled. Tree-hole volume and tree-hole opening both increased with tree size. Tree-hole opening was strongly positively correlated with internal volume, especially for the podocarps. It therefore potentially provides a useful surrogate measure for quantifying the abundance of large tree holes from cost-effective ground surveys. We estimated there might be as many as 771 tree holes per hectare of forest at this site, but fewer of these were thought to be large enough for obligate hole-dwelling vertebrate species.
    [Show full text]
  • Supplementary Table S2 Details of 455 Conifer Species Used in the Phylogene�C and Physiological Niche Modelling to Es�Mate Drivers of Diversifica�On
    Supplementary Table S2 Details of 455 conifer species used in the phylogene�c and physiological niche modelling to es�mate drivers of diversifica�on. Shown are: the clade calcifica�on (10 and 42 clade); number of cleaned georeferenced presence records; the confusion matrix which describes the model fit in terms of true posi�ves, true nega�ves, false posi�ves and false nega�ves; and the es�mated niche area in quarter degree grid squares for the globe (projected) and for version of the globe where all environmental zones are equally common (resampled), see main text for further details. Clade classifica�on Confusion matrix niche area (# grid cells) 42 (68*) Number of True True False False Species 10 clades clades records posi�ves nega�ves posi�ves nega�ves Projected Resampled Abies alba 10 65 119 117 111 4 2 6658 7622 Abies amabilis 10 65 80 79 74 2 0 11783 13701 Abies bracteata 10 65 4 4 15 0 0 1610 1846 Abies concolor 10 65 98 90 86 8 8 13825 15410 Abies fabri 10 65 4 4 17 0 0 2559 2641 Abies fargesii 10 65 13 13 18 0 0 14450 15305 Abies firma 10 65 163 161 163 1 0 2270 2436 Abies fraseri 10 65 15 15 16 0 0 1914 2075 Abies grandis 10 65 77 75 70 2 2 11654 13629 Abies holophylla 10 65 12 12 16 1 0 23899 24592 Abies homolepis 10 65 31 31 34 0 0 791 851 Abies kawakamii 10 65 17 17 26 0 0 700 1164 Abies koreana 10 65 10 10 18 0 0 985 1048 Abies lasiocarpa 10 65 105 100 95 6 5 11422 12454 Abies magnifica 10 65 47 47 58 2 0 11882 14353 Abies mariesii 10 65 16 16 17 0 0 3833 4114 Abies nebrodensis 10 65 1 1 17 0 0 1094 973 Abies nephrolepis 10 65
    [Show full text]
  • TAXON:Prumnopitys Taxifolia SCORE:-5.0 RATING:Low
    TAXON: Prumnopitys taxifolia SCORE: -5.0 RATING: Low Risk Taxon: Prumnopitys taxifolia Family: Podocarpaceae Common Name(s): black pine Synonym(s): Dacrydium taxifolium Sol. ex D. Don (basionym) matai Podocarpus spicatus R. Br. ex Hook. Assessor: Chuck Chimera Status: Assessor Approved End Date: 16 Dec 2014 WRA Score: -5.0 Designation: L Rating: Low Risk Keywords: Dioecious Tree, Slow-Growing, Shade-tolerant, Wind-Pollinated, Bird-dispersed Qsn # Question Answer Option Answer 101 Is the species highly domesticated? y=-3, n=0 n 102 Has the species become naturalized where grown? 103 Does the species have weedy races? Species suited to tropical or subtropical climate(s) - If 201 island is primarily wet habitat, then substitute "wet (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) (See Appendix 2) Intermediate tropical" for "tropical or subtropical" 202 Quality of climate match data (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) (See Appendix 2) High 203 Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility) y=1, n=0 n Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or 204 y=1, n=0 n subtropical climates Does the species have a history of repeated introductions 205 y=-2, ?=-1, n=0 ? outside its natural range? 301 Naturalized beyond native range y = 1*multiplier (see Appendix 2), n= question 205 n 302 Garden/amenity/disturbance weed n=0, y = 1*multiplier (see Appendix 2) n 303 Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed n=0, y = 2*multiplier (see Appendix 2) n 304 Environmental weed n=0, y = 2*multiplier (see Appendix 2) n 305 Congeneric weed n=0, y = 1*multiplier (see Appendix
    [Show full text]
  • Structure and Canopy Tree Species Regeneration Requirements in Indigenous Forests, Westland, New Zealand
    Structure and canopy tree species regeneration requirements in indigenous forests, Westland, New Zealand DOC SCIENCE INTERNAL SERIES 66 Glenn H. Stewart Published by Department of Conservation P.O. Box 10-420 Wellington, New Zealand DOC Science Internal Series is a published record of scientific research carried out, or advice given, by Department of Conservation staff, or external contractors funded by DOC. It comprises progress reports and short communications that are generally peer-reviewed within DOC, but not always externally refereed. Fully refereed contract reports funded from the Conservation Services Levy are also included. Individual contributions to the series are first released on the departmental intranet in pdf form. Hardcopy is printed, bound, and distributed at regular intervals. Titles are listed in the DOC Science Publishing catalogue on the departmental website http://www.doc.govt.nz and electronic copies of CSL papers can be downloaded from http://csl.doc.govt.nz © August 2002, New Zealand Department of Conservation ISSN 1175–6519 ISBN 0–478–22299–8 This is a client report commissioned by West Coast Conservancy and funded from the Unprogrammed Science Advice fund . It was prepared for publication by DOC Science Publishing, Science & Research Unit; editing and layout by Geoff Gregory. Publication was approved by the Manager, Science & Research Unit, Science Technology and Information Services, Department of Conservation, Wellington. CONTENTS Abstract 5 1. Introduction 6 2. Review of relevant ecological literature 7 2.1 North Westland 7 2.1.1 Inland valleys 7 2.1.2 Western valleys 12 2.1.3 Coastal forests 17 2.2 Central Westland 17 2.2.1 Inland valleys 17 2.2.2 Coastal forests 18 2.3 South Westland 18 2.3.1 Inland valleys 18 2.3.2 Coastal outwash surfaces 19 3.
    [Show full text]
  • Changes in Structure and Composition of a New Zealand Lowland Forest Inhabited by Brushtail Possums!
    Pacific Science (1990), vol. 44, no. 3: 277-296 © 1990 by University of Hawaii Press. All rights reserved Changes in Structure and Composition of a New Zealand Lowland Forest Inhabited by Brushtail Possums! D. J. CAMPBELL2 ABSTRACT: All specimens of 19 tree and 11 shrub species greater than 10 cm dbh (more than 3000 stems oftrees and tree ferns) were labeled, measured, and mapped in 2.25 ha of lowland forest near Wellington, New Zealand. Their fate, growth, and additional recruitment were monitored in three surveys over 16 yr, from 1969 to 1985. During the vegetation study, movements, diet, density, and breeding success of the introduced Australian brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) were studied in the same area of forest. In the study plot the number of stems and their total basal area increased between 1969 and 1985. However, several species that are eaten by possums have suffered substantial losses ofboth stems and total basal area. These include Beilschmiedia tawa, Weinmannia race­ mosa, Metrosideros robusta, and the tree fern Cyathea medullaris. Species not eaten by possums have increased in both numbers and basal area. These include Hedycarya arborea, Cyathea smithii, Cyathea dealbata, and Laurelia novae­ zelandiae. During the study there has been a decline in basal area of emergent trees, an increase in basal area of canopy trees (but little increase in their numbers), and an increase in numbers and basal area ofminor species and dead trees. If present trends in structure and composition of this lowland forest continue, the future forest will have a greater proportion of tree ferns and more short-lived, small-diameter species.
    [Show full text]
  • A Study of Home Ranges, Movements, Diet and Habitat Use of Kereru
    A study of home ranges, movements, diet and habitat use of kereru (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) in the southeastern sector of Banks Peninsula, New Zealand A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science At Lincoln University By Kirsten L. Campbell Lincoln University 2006 Frontispiece Having just flown into a window of the Akaroa Museum, this kereru takes a moment to collect his/her thoughts (photo and caption: Michael Allen). ii Abstract The present study is part of the Kaupapa Kereru Programme. The main aim of the programme is to increase the numbers and range of kereru (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) on Banks Peninsula. Home ranges, movements, diet and habitat use of 15 kereru captured in Hinewai Reserve, Banks Peninsula, were investigated from February 2005 to February 2006. Hinewai Reserve is the largest tract of regenerating native forest in a highly modified urban-rural landscape. Phenology of 11 plant species predicted to be key kereru foods, was studied to determine the pattern of food availability in Hinewai Reserve. Twelve radio-tagged kereru resided in the Hinewai Reserve study site (Otanerito Valley and Sleepy Bay) and three resided in Akaroa. Ripe fruit was available from January to August; the height of the fruiting season was in autumn. The bulk of new leaf growth occurred in spring and early summer although new leaves were available on broom and tree lucerne year round. Peak flowering occurred in spring. Kereru in Akaroa ate a total of 21 plant species; six of these species were native and 15 introduced. Kereru in the Hinewai Reserve study site ate a total of 26 plant species; 20 of these species were native and six introduced.
    [Show full text]
  • Prumnopitys Taxifolia
    Mike Marden and Chris Phillips [email protected] MMataiatai Prumnopitys taxifolia INTRODUCTION AND METHODS Reasons for planting native trees include the enhancement of plant and animal biodiversity for conservation, establishment of a native cover on erosion-prone sites, improvement of water quality by revegetation of riparian areas and management for production of high quality timber. Signifi cant areas of the New Zealand landscape, both urban and rural, are being re-vegetated using native species. Many such plantings are on open sites where the aim is to quickly achieve canopy closure and often includes the planting of a mixture of shrubs and tree species concurrently. Previously, data have been presented showing the potential above- and below-ground growth performance of eleven native plant species considered typical early colonisers of bare ground, particularly in riparian areas (http://icm. landcareresearch.co.nz/research/land/Trial1results.asp). In this current series of posters we present data on the growth performance of six native conifer (kauri, rimu, totara, matai, miro, kahikatea) and two broadleaved hardwood (puriri, titoki) species most likely to succeed the early colonising species to become a major component in mature stands of indigenous forest (http://icm.landcareresearch.co.nz/ research/land/Trial2.asp). Data on the potential above- and below-ground early growth performance of colonising shrubby species together with that of conifer and broadleaved species will help land managers and community groups involved in re-vegetation projects in deciding the plant spacing and species mix most appropriate for the scale of planting and best suited to site conditions. Data are from a trial established in 2006 to assess the relative growth performance of native conifer and broadleaved hardwood tree species.
    [Show full text]