An ecological survey of the central part of the Eyre Ecological District, northern Southland, New Zealand

Abstract

Abstract A Protected Natural Areas (PNA) type multidisciplinary survey of c. 30,000 ha in the central part of the c. 197,500 ha Eyre Ecological District (Mavora Ecological Region) in January 1987 provided data from samples of indigenous beech forest, shrubland, grassland, herbfield, fellfield, bluff, scree and snowbank. Ten communities were confirmed by multivariate computer techniques. The indigenous grasslands and shrublands are in particularly good condition because burning and stock grazing on their upper slopes virtually ceased in 1962–63. The tall stature (1-1.5 m) and prolific flowering of snow tussocks at higher altitudes probably resemble the primitive condition. Some low-altitude grasslands are characterised by Elymus rectisetus (blue wheatgrass), rather than the generally widespread Festuca novae-zelandiae (hard tussock). The District's reputed importance for endemism, particularly among its rich alpine vascular flora, was confirmed. Populations of rock wren, New Zealand falcon and other threat...