Management frameworks for the New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands

Abstract

The five island groups known as the New Zealand sub-Antarctic islands - Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, Bounty Islands, Campbell Island and Snares Islands - are perhaps better regarded as cool temperate although they share many features and many management issues with islands south of the Antarctic Convergence. The Snares and Bounty islands have granitic substrates; the Antipodes, Auckland and Campbell islands are of volcanic origin, Marine mammals and seabirds arc important components of the fauna, Terrestrial flora and invertebrate fauna show high levels of endemism. Several species of alien vertebrates have been successfully eradicated, The islands are managed by the New Zealand Department of Conservation as National Nature Reserves, and together are recognised as a World Heritage Site.