An evaluation of representativeness for nature conservation, Hokitika Ecological District, New Zealand

Abstract

Representativeness in the modern Hokitika Ecological District landscape is assessed by comparison with the distribution of landform-vegetation classes present in c. 1860 (prior to extensive European settlement). While upland landform-vegetation classes are well represented, lowland ones are not, especially on alluvial and coastal landforms. In these two classes, extant remnants account for 0·3% and 8·2% of their 1860 extent respectively. Options for increasing the representativeness of these landform-vegetation classes must rely largely on ecological restoration, as there are few remaining remnants not already protected. This under-representation may at first seem surprising, as Hokitika Ecological District is located in an area of New Zealand (west coast South Island) with a very high percentage of protected land ( c. 75% protected), and emphasises the importance of considering spatial scale when looking at representativeness as a basis for the evaluation and design of protected natural areas. Any targets for land protection (e.g. 10% of the land area) should be stratified across a range of spatial scales from local (ecological districts in this study) to national.