Arthur's Pass National Park Research Articles

Absence of hybridisation between Fuscospora species at a site in Arthur's Pass National Park, New Zealand

We analysed simple sequence repeat markers for a selection of red beech (Fuscospora fusca) and mountain beech (Fuscospora cliffortioides) trees growing together and for seeds collected from them. Our analysis detected neither hybrid trees nor hybrid seeds within our sample. We suggest pre-zygotic reproductive isolating mechanisms such as differences in flowering time may be important in maintaining boundaries between Fuscospora species despite extensive sympatry.

Novel alpine algae for New Zealand: Klebsormidiales

The alpine zone of Mt Philistine, Arthur's Pass National Park, is home to at least three species of algae in the Klebsormidiales. Klebsormidium dissectum was described from the site previously. A distinctive filamentous species, Klebsormidium crenulatum, has now been found that is larger than other New Zealand strains and is a new record for New Zealand. A unicellular species, Interfilum terricola, is also described as another new record for New Zealand. Phylogenetic analyses of the rbcL gene and the ITS-1-5.8S-ITS2 region show that New Zealand Klebsormidium is not monophyletic. The very close relationship between New Zealand and Belgian I. terricola illustrates the readiness with which transoceanic dispersal must occur in this genus. Our analyses of individual and concatenated genes suggest the paraphyly of the genus Klebsormidium, that the ancestral condition of the genus may have been the larger form, and that the incorporation of Klebsormidium into Interfilum is likely in the future, when more knowledge of diversity and relationships has accumulated.

New records of snow algae for New Zealand, from Mt Philistine, Arthur's Pass National Park

Eight out of nine species of snow algae occurring on Mt Philistine, Arthur's Pass National Park, are new records for New Zealand. Chlainomonas kolii, reported previously in snow beneath tree canopies in the USA, is responsible for blooms which colour the snow red. Chloromonas rubroleosa, which is found in red snow dominated by C. kolii, also occurs in continental Antarctica. Three other species of Chloromonas, including the relatively common bipolar alga previously known as Scotiella antarctica, occur in other snowfields on the mountain. The widely reported Raphidonema nivale was identified in cultures from many snow samples. Two species of chrysophyceans, Chromulina cf. elegans and Chrysophyceae sp. 2 (a cyst, of which the life cycle is not understood) occur in Mt Philistine snow. The few previous investigations of New Zealand snow algae have suffered from lack of culturing and observation of living material. Results presented here show that many more sites require detailed study using these techniques to improve our understanding of the biogeography of New Zealand snow algae, and for comparison with floras elsewhere to be meaningful.

Ecology of the snow alga Chlainomonas kolii (Chlamydomonadales, Chlorophyta) in New Zealand

Chlainomonas kotii, a very rarely reported snow alga, formed red blooms in the surface snow of an alpine tarn on Mt Philistine, Arthur's Pass National Park, New Zealand, in the Austral summers of 1998 and 1999. Morphological characteristics corresponded closely to the descriptions of this organism from North America, and the two were indistinguishable by traditional means. Chlainomonas kolii was found in high numbers (≤ 1175 cells ml−1) only in snow covering the tarn surface (tarn snow), and reached lower abundance (≤ 101 cells ml−1) in snow adjacent to the tarn (shore snow). Levels of NH4-N, NO3-N, and dissolved reactive phosphorus in the Mt Philistine snow were lower (usually < 50 μg l−1) than those found in the Northern Hemisphere snowpacks (≤ 7100 μg l−1). NH4-N was the most abundant inorganic-N species. It was also the only nutrient that was detectably influenced by the growth of the algal population, dropping to 1.1 μg l−1 in tarn snow during an increase in cell abundance from 250 to 1175 cells ml−1. NH4-N remained at 5.8 μg l−1 in shore snow, in which algal abundance did not increase. Because of strong diurnal freeze-thaw cycles in the alpine zone, water stress and cellular disruption may be more severe than those in the well-studied forested snowpacks of North America. Very high total irradiance during fine weather (>5000 μmol photons m−2 s−1) may inhibit growth. Snow-algal abundances were low compared with those in the Northern Hemisphere studies (106 cells ml−1), reflecting the comparatively harsh conditions on Mt Philistine. Growth of C. kolii occurs during major rainstorms when snow melt may reach lip to 15.1 cm day−1, liquid water content of the tarn snow increases (to 28.4%), temperatures remain above freezing, and irradiance decreases to noninhibitory levels (< 200 μmol m−2 s−1).

No evidence for establishment of the wasp parasitoid, Sphecophaga vesparum burra (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) at two sites in New Zealand

Sphecophaga vesparum burra (Cresson) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) has been released at seven sites in New Zealand as a biological control agent for wasps (Vespula spp.). Between 1996 and 1998, more than 35 000 overwintering cocoons were released nationwide, more than half of them at two South Island sites: Binser Track in Arthur's Pass National Park (13 200 cocoons) and Tennyson Inlet in the Marlborough Sounds (13 660 cocoons). Monitoring at these two climatically and altitudinally disparate sites revealed that over 5000 adult parasitoids emerged at each site over the 4 years. More than 300 wasp nests were dug and inspected for attack by S. v. burra, but there was no evidence of establishment.

The importance of dispersal, disturbance, and competition for exotic plant invasions in Arthur's Pass National Park, New Zealand

This study investigated the effects of disturbance, dispersal, and plant competition on exotic plant invasion. An assessment of the change in species distributions in the Mingha Valley, Arthur's Pass National Park, over five years showed that many species had increased in range, suggesting that dispersal had limited the distribution of these species. The dispersal barrier was removed experimentally by transplanting plants and seeds of Anthoxanthum odoraturn, Holcus lanatus, Cerastium fontanum, and Hieracium pilosella into undisturbed areas. Although transplants of A. odoratum, H. lanatus, and H. pilosella could survive without disturbance, it was essential for the establishment from seed in all four species. These species were therefore limited by the absence of disturbance. A survey of the plant distribution in the Mingha and Edwards Valleys found many exotic species associated with hut, track, and river disturbance regimes. The association of exotic plants with disturbances may be due to the role of disturbance as a window through the barriers of competition, dispersal, and abiotic barriers. The success of these exotic plants in New Zealand seems largely due to success of seedlings of exotic species establishing in areas disturbed by human activity.

A National Park Revisited Assessing Change in Recreational Use of Arthur's Pass National Park

ABSTRACTAt a time of increasing visitation and activity diversification, the relationship between use and conservation of New Zealand's national parks is under scrutiny. During this period it is especially important that resource use is understood and monitored over time. Using a replicative format this paper documents the findings of two visitation studies undertaken in Arthur's Pass National Park fifteen years apart. The findings suggest that, despite some strong elements of stability, there are indications of considerable change in use patterns at this site. Data presented are acquiescent in supporting the thesis that Arthur's Pass National Park is undergoing a transition initially shaped by wider social and economic pressures and manifest at the Park by increasing use for commercial purposes, an intensification of use, and increasing numbers of visitors from overseas. While continued research into visitation trends is encouraged, the authors also advise that the challenge of replicative studies in natural resource settings should not be underestimated.

On Bragginsella, a New Genus of Jungermanniales from New Zealand

On Bragginsella, a New Genus of Jungermanniales from New Zealand

Slope instability along State Highway 73 through Arthur's Pass, South Island, New Zealand

Abstract Within Arthur's Pass National Park, debris flows, rockfall, and a large rock avalanche on State Highway 73 are responsible for major highway reconstruction required at the Zig Zag and in Otira Gorge. The high rate of erosion is due to combined effects of high altitude, frequent heavy rain, ongoing uplift of the Southern Alps, and highly fractured bedrock. Major active faults occur within 20 km of Arthur's Pass, and earthquakes of magnitude M7 have occurred nearby in historical times, initiating landslides which damaged the highway. At the Zig Zag, the highway crosses the large Otira rock avalanche deposit [(43 ± 2) × 106 m3], which is undercut by the Otira River, causing repeated collapse of the highway. Future highway realignment higher up the slope could destabilise scree slopes and take the highway into regions of more frequent rockfall and snow avalanches. The Zig Zag is to be replaced by a curved viaduct, c. 450 m long and 30 m high, constructed along the river course at the base of the slop...

Predicting the incidence of mohua predation from the seedfall, mouse, and predator fluctuations in beech forests

Abstract Predator control will be required to save many mohua (Mohoua ochrocephala) populations from extinction. However, control may be required only in years when stoat (Mustela erminea) densities are high. To manage local stoat populations effectively, a reliable predictor of high risk years is required. We examined whether different levels of beech seedfall and mouse capture rates were related to the levels of mohua predation recorded in the Hawdon Valley, Arthur's Pass National Park, and the Eglinton Valley, Fiordland National Park, between 1989 and 1994. During this period there was only one full beech mast year in each study area during autumn. The full mast seedfall in Hawdon Valley was predominantly of mountain beech (Nothofagus solandri var. cliffortioides) and red beech (N. fused), and in Eglinton Valley it was predominantly silver beech (TV. menziesii). During the following summer, mouse and stoat densities, and the predation rate of adult mohua, all increased considerably. There was very little predation on adult mohua in the summers following poor seedfalls when mouse and predator densities remained low. In 1993, a partial mast did not trigger a mouse or stoat irruption. We conclude that counts of beech seedfall and indices of mouse density are potential predictors of an impending irruption of key predators. Winter mouse density appeared to be the most reliable indicator, because neither stoats nor mice respond to seedfall alone. A combination of these indicators could be used as a basis for management decisions on whether to undertake stoat control to protect mohua populations in the future. However, more information is required on the seedfall thresholds that may trigger sufficient increases in mouse and stoat numbers and, consequently, bird predation.

Damage to State Highway 73 from the 29 May 1995, Arthur's Pass earthquake

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; On 29 May 1995, a magnitude M 5.5 earthquake centred near Arthur's Pass caused considerable damage to State Highway 73 in Arthur's Pass National Park, almost a year after the highway was closed by a magnitude M 6.5 earthquake. Although earthquake magnitudes and epicentral locations for the two events accounted for some differences in extent and severity of slope failure and highway damage, the lower magnitude 1995 earthquake initiated significant rockfall above the Zig Zag, unaffected by the 1994 earthquake. The greater ground damage than anticipated at the Zig Zag and in Otira Gorge could be due more to direction of seismic wave propagation relative to Otira Valley, and predisposition of slope materials to failure, than to earthquake magnitude.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Bryophytes and associated invertebrates in first‐order alpine streams of Arthur's Pass, New Zealand

Abstract Tributary alpine streams in six sub‐catchments in Arthur's Pass National Park (South Island, New Zealand) were surveyed to assess the frequency of streams supporting aquatic bryophytes. Relationships between streambed stability and bryophyte occurrence were examined. Invertebrate communities associated with bryophytes were characterised, and compared between streams flowing above the tree line, and below. Of 103 tributary streams encountered, 53 were above the tree line, and 50 were below. Aquatic bryophytes occurred in half these streams irrespective of riparian shading, but bryophyte distributions were strongly influenced by streambed stability. Invertebrate communities associated with bryophytes were dominated by Nematoda, Chironomidae, Oligochaeta, and Copepoda. This is fundamentally different from the bryofauna outside New Zealand, and may reflect the absence of certain bryophyte‐dwelling families of Trichoptera, Plecoptera, and Ephemeroptera from New Zealand. Invertebrate densities within b...

Pseudocyphellaria halei sp. nov. from New Zealand

Pseudocyphellaria halei D. J. Galloway is described from material collected from subalpine rainforest on the slopes of Mt. Rolleston on the eastern side of Arthur's Pass in Arthur's Pass National Park, New Zealand. The species has a white medulla, cyanobacterial photobiont, scabrid-areolate upper cortex, conspicuous white pseudocyphellae on the lower surface, and scattered minute white pseudocyphellae on the upper surface. It has a simple two-hopane chemistry. It is named for the late Dr. Mason E. Hale, Jr., who also made large and important collections ofspecies of Pseudocyphellaria during three visits to New Zealand (1980, 1981, 1984) in connection with his work on speciation in Parmelia.

Bryophytes as invertebrate habitat in two New Zealand alpine streams

SUMMARY. 1. Quantitative samples of lotic benthic invertebrates and associated organic material were taken monthly for 18 months from bryophyte and gravel habitats in two New Zealand alpine streams in Arthur's Pass National Park, South Island; an unshaded site above the tree‐line and a shaded stream flowing through mountain beech forest. This was to assess the ecological role of bryophytes in these habitats and to determine the relative effects on the fauna of algal and detrital resources.2. Bryophytes were confined to stable bedrock substrata in shallow (mean depth of 4.5 and 10.5 cm), fast water (mean velocity of 0.21 ms−1 and 0.30ms−1) at the unshaded and shaded sites. Mean ash‐free dry weight (AFDW) of organic material from bryophyte areas was similar at the unshaded and shaded sites (335.6 and 272.4 gm−2). Low stream‐bed stability of the gravel areas resulted in poor retention of organic matter, with average AFDW of 59.1 and 77.9 gm−2 at the unshaded and shaded sites, respectively. Periphyton biomass, however, was much higher at the unshaded site.3. Within bryophytes, water velocity is reduced and large quantities of periphyton and detritus accumulate. This explains the greatly enhanced invertebrate densities within bryophytes (218400 and 53500 individuals m−2), compared with gravel areas (20900 and 7400 individuals m−2) in the unshaded and shaded sites, respectively. The higher invertebrate densities at the unshaded site reflect greater periphyton biomass there.4. Invertebrate densities followed clear seasonal patterns, attributable to changes in chironomid densities. These reflected larval chironomid hatching following adult oviposition. This illustrates the importance of these plants as oviposition sites, and as protective nurseries for small larvae where they can obtain shelter during floods and consume the abundant food sources available to them.5. DECORANA ordination revealed taxonomically distinct invertebrate communities in each stream, and in bryophytes and gravels. Several taxa appeared restricted to either the unshaded site (e.g. Acroperla spiniger and Hydrobiosis silvicola) or the shaded site (e.g. Zelolessica

Social Behavior and the Ontogeny of Foraging in the Kea (Nestor notabilis)

AbstractKea are omnivorous parrots endemic to the high mountains of the South Island of New Zealand. Over a two‐year period, we recorded quantitative behavioral data from 38 banded male kea foraging at a refuse dump outside Arthur's Pass National Park and analyzed the effects of social factors on the ontogeny of foraging. Members of the four distinguishable age classes — fledglings, juveniles, subadults, and adults — displayed characteristic differences in foraging ability and in the social behavior used to obtain access to resources. Adults performed most of the excavation that uncovered new food resources. Fledglings explored and manipulated objects almost continuously, but they discovered little food on their own and were commonly fed directly by adults. Juveniles obtained the highest foraging yields for the amount of time spent searching of any age class, aided by appeasement behavior that gave them preferential access to foods discovered by adults. Kleptoparasitism served as a primary foraging strategy for subadults, who were otherwise poor at discovering and retaining food resources. Social factors influence the acquisition of foraging expertise in the Kea in different ways at different stages of development.

Ecology and distribution ofNothofagusin Deception Valley, Arthur's Pass National Park, New Zealand

Abstract Isolated Nothofagus stands, varying in size from single trees to 10 ha, occur in the Deception Valley, Arthur's Pass National Park. Upper montane to subalpine stands of N. fusca, N. menziesii, and some N. solandri var. clijfortioides occupy sites with N to WNW aspect on the eastern slopes of the valley. S maller and younger N. fusca stands occur on alluvial sites on the valley bottom. Numerous documented cases of establishment after longdistance dispersal by wind, and the apparently selective occupation of warm aspect sites suggest at least occasional low-density seed falls up to 6 km from seed sources. Subsequent population growth and marginal spread of outlier stands appears to be limited by competition, however, and older stands have probably persisted for 1000–2000 years or more. Both the apparent habitat restriction and the mostly stagnant population sizes of N. fusca indicate that this species is approaching its ecological limit in the region. Subalpine N. menziesii stands reveal recent marginal stand expansion. More frequent outlier formation of N. fusca since 1650 AD may be related to decreasing precipitation and more extreme climates in the Taramakau-Otehake region.

Ecological studies onHoheria glabrata(Malvaceae) at Arthur's Pass, South Island, New Zealand

Abstract Aspects of the ecology of the subalpine tree Hoheria glabrata were investigated a Pegleg Flat, Arthur's Pass National Park. H. glabrata is an early seral tree on recently disturbed sites. Average annual radial increment of timberline specimens was 1.6 mm, and shoot extension growth ranged from 74 mm in mature trees to 151 mm in juveniles. The comparatively high growth rates and vegetative regeneration by epicormic shoots enable the plants to survive extensive mechanical damage and frost damage to growing shoots. The lateral flower buds are produced annually but the subsequent flowering intensity can be reduced by abortion of buds or flowers following adverse climatic conditions. The coccio the dry, lobed fruit are wind dispersed; however most seeds fall close to the parent trees where successful establishment is unlikely. Open habitats with exposed mineral soil or gravel deposits are easily invaded when seed sources are available. Successful germination requires pre-chilling; seeds also germinate in the absence of light and at temperatures close to freezing point.

Phenology and productivity ofOlearia ilicifolia(Compositae) at Arthur's Pass, South Island, New Zealand

Abstract Stands of the small composite tree Olearia ilicifolia were investigated at Pegleg Flat, Arthur's Pass National Park. Olearia ilicifolia is the dominant canopy tree in subalpine low forest and high scrub on sites with high soil fertility such as young river terraces, talus, and slip scars. During the mild winter of 1984, a stand of young adults revealed continuous wood increment until August. Average annual shoot extension growth ranged from 21 mm in mature trees to 100 mm in large seedlings. Mean annual leaf area production was estimated to be 30.8 cm2 for apical shoots and 18.7 cm2 for lateral shoots. Intensity of leaf shedding appeared to be related to the amount of new leaf area growth; litterfall normally ceased during winter and spring. Most individuals flowered each year but there was marked variation in the extent of flowering. The achenes are easily dispersed by wind and seed germination does not involve any dormancy mechanisms; successful establishment of seedlings, however, was only occ...

An ecological study of the subalpine shrubSenecio bennettii(Compositae) at Arthur's pass South Island, New Zealand

Abstract Stands of Senecio bennettii at Pegleg Flat, Arthur's Pass National Park, were the subject of an ecological study. S. bennettii is the dominant shrub in various scrub and low forest associations in the area. Mean annual shoot extension growth of S. bennettii ranges from 11 to 72 mm and is correlated with the leaf area production of the respective shoots. There is a marked variation in the number of annually produced lateral shoots, which support the terminal inflorescences, and this has an important bearing on the subsequent flowering intensity. Mean annual leaf area production of apical shoots ranged from 50–80 cm2 in shrubland stands to 100–120 cm2 in specimens in the shrub layer of subalpine low forest. The annual variation in leaf area production of apical shoots is a result of different temperature regimes experienced during the period of leaf primordia initiation in the previous growing season; leaf area production of lateral shoots is correlated with mean temperatures during the current growing season. Litterfall occurs throughout the year but is much more pronounced from January to July. Partial or no flowering occurred in 1981/82, 1982/83, 1983/84 and was followed by a heavy flowering season in 1984/85.

Botany of arthur's pass national park South Island, New Zealand I. History of botanical studies and checklist of the vascular flora

Abstract The paper begins with a brief survey of the history of study of the vascular plants of Arthur's Pass National Park. Taxa first described from the area of the Park are listed. The important work of Julius von Haast, Leonard Cockayne and other early botanists is outlined. The main part of the paper is a floristic list. Distribution records are given for each species, by subregions, altitudinal zones, and the main habitats occupied. The list includes a total of 660 indigenous species, 8 subspecies, and 55 hybrids. Among these species are 1 psilopsid, 6 lycopsids, 70 filicopsids, 13 gymnosperms, and 575 angiosperms. A total of 154 adventive species (all angiosperms) is listed. Separate sections discuss rare and locally distributed species, hybrids, and adventive species.