O’Donnell, C. F. J. 2000. Conservation status and causes of decline of the threatened New Zealand Long-tailed Bat Chalinolobus tuberculatus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae). Mammal Review 30: 89–106.
Historical anecdotes and monitoring since 1990, indicate that long-tailed bats are now rare or absent at many sites where formerly they were common. Assertions in the literature that they are “common” and that the conservation status is “secure” are incorrect and the species should be classed as “Vulnerable”. Possible causes of decline include clearance and logging of lowland forests, predation by introduced mammals and owls, competition for roost sites by introduced mammals, birds and wasps, and human interference and disturbance at roosting sites.
02 December, 2000
O’Donnell (2000): Cryptic local populations in a temperate rainforest bat Chalinolobus tuberculatus in New Zealand.
O’Donnell, C. F. J. 2000. Cryptic local populations in a temperate rainforest bat Chalinolobus tuberculatus in New Zealand. Animal Conservation 3: 287–297.
Long-tailed bats form long term non-random associations among individuals. Three distinct social groups (72–132 bats) were cryptic because foraging ranges overlapped, bats belonging to each group spread over many roosts each day, and these roost sites changed from day to day. Bats moved infrequently between groups (1.6% of recaptures), potentially linking the local population assemblages. Population structure did not conform to traditional metapopulation models because groups occurred in homogeneous habitat extending over a large area. Conservation of bat populations should entail protecting representative sub-groups, but development of models for predicting minimum number of effective local populations is still required.
Long-tailed bats form long term non-random associations among individuals. Three distinct social groups (72–132 bats) were cryptic because foraging ranges overlapped, bats belonging to each group spread over many roosts each day, and these roost sites changed from day to day. Bats moved infrequently between groups (1.6% of recaptures), potentially linking the local population assemblages. Population structure did not conform to traditional metapopulation models because groups occurred in homogeneous habitat extending over a large area. Conservation of bat populations should entail protecting representative sub-groups, but development of models for predicting minimum number of effective local populations is still required.
Kelly et al. (2000): Predator satiation and extreme mast seeding in 11 species of Chionochloa (Poaceae).
Kelly, D; Harrison, A.L.; Lee, W.G.; Payton, I.J.; Wilson, P.R. & Schauber, E.M. 2000. Predator satiation and extreme mast seeding in 11 species of Chionochloa (Poaceae). Oikos 90: 477-488.
This paper presents 16 long datasets on mast seeding in 11 Chionochloa species from Nelson Lakes to Takahe Valley and shows that there is high synchrony within and among species, driven by a common climate cue (warm temperatures in January-February the year before). Chionochloa crassiuscula from Takahe Valley (CV=3.02) is the most variable masting dataset worldwide and NZ species (including Nothofagus) make up 8 of the global top 20. Seed predation data from Takahe Valley suggest that the extreme masting arises because a cecidomyiid seed predator is exceptionally hard to satiate.
This paper presents 16 long datasets on mast seeding in 11 Chionochloa species from Nelson Lakes to Takahe Valley and shows that there is high synchrony within and among species, driven by a common climate cue (warm temperatures in January-February the year before). Chionochloa crassiuscula from Takahe Valley (CV=3.02) is the most variable masting dataset worldwide and NZ species (including Nothofagus) make up 8 of the global top 20. Seed predation data from Takahe Valley suggest that the extreme masting arises because a cecidomyiid seed predator is exceptionally hard to satiate.
Kelly et al. (2000): Limited forest fragmentation improves reproduction in the declining New Zealand mistletoe Peraxilla tetrapetala.
Kelly, D.; Ladley, J.J.; Robertson, A.W.; Norton, D.A. 2000. Limited forest fragmentation improves reproduction in the declining New Zealand mistletoe Peraxilla tetrapetala (Loranthaceae). In: Genetics, demography and viability of fragmented populations. (Eds: Young, AG; Clarke, GM), Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 241-252.
A study of P. tetrapetala at Lake Ohau showed that mistletoes on the edges of forest fragments had higher pollination rates, and lower flower predation by a native moth (Zelleria sp.), than plants in intact forest. Dispersal was not affected by edge position. This suggests that reproduction is enhanced on edges because pollinators (principally bellbirds and native bees) favour edge plants. This effect is consistent with the higher mistletoe densities observed on edges, and could partially compensate for habitat loss in maintenance of mistletoe populations.
A study of P. tetrapetala at Lake Ohau showed that mistletoes on the edges of forest fragments had higher pollination rates, and lower flower predation by a native moth (Zelleria sp.), than plants in intact forest. Dispersal was not affected by edge position. This suggests that reproduction is enhanced on edges because pollinators (principally bellbirds and native bees) favour edge plants. This effect is consistent with the higher mistletoe densities observed on edges, and could partially compensate for habitat loss in maintenance of mistletoe populations.
Williams and West (2000): Environmental weeds in Australia and New Zealand: issues and approaches to management.
Williams, J. A.; West, C.J. 2000. Environmental weeds in Australia and New Zealand: issues and approaches to management. Austral Ecology 25: 425-444.
This keynote paper presented at the inaugural joint conference of NZES and ESA in Dunedin 1998 contains information on the current state of environmental weed management in Australia and New Zealand. It is the first paper in a special issue of Austral Ecology in which the papers and some posters presented in the symposium session are published.
This keynote paper presented at the inaugural joint conference of NZES and ESA in Dunedin 1998 contains information on the current state of environmental weed management in Australia and New Zealand. It is the first paper in a special issue of Austral Ecology in which the papers and some posters presented in the symposium session are published.
Joy and Death (2000): Stream invertebrate communities of Campbell Island.
Joy, M. K.; Death, R. G. 2000. Stream invertebrate communities of Campbell Island. Hydrobiologia 439: 115-124.
Stream invertebrates were sampled at nineteen streams on Campbell Island over the 1997-98 summer in the most extensive stream survey to date. The Crustacea including one isopod and two amphipod species dominated the species-poor stream invertebrate communities. Although distinctive communities were found over the island they did not relate to any of the environmental variables measured. Many of the invertebrate families commonly found in mainland New Zealand streams were not found and this appears to be related to the extreme isolation and geological history of the island.
Stream invertebrates were sampled at nineteen streams on Campbell Island over the 1997-98 summer in the most extensive stream survey to date. The Crustacea including one isopod and two amphipod species dominated the species-poor stream invertebrate communities. Although distinctive communities were found over the island they did not relate to any of the environmental variables measured. Many of the invertebrate families commonly found in mainland New Zealand streams were not found and this appears to be related to the extreme isolation and geological history of the island.
Lövei and Cartellieri (2000): Ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in forest fragments of the Manawatu, New Zealand: Collapsed assemblages?
Lövei, G.L.; Cartellieri, M. 2000. Ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in forest fragments of the Manawatu, New Zealand: Collapsed assemblages? Journal of Insect Conservation 4: 239-244.
Botanically diverse, protected forest fragments in the Manawatu contained very poor carabid assemblages. In the potential source area, 9 species were present. The largest forest remnant had 2 species, and a well-managed suburban forest patch had 3 (only 1 with a reproducing population). Lack of grazing and high botanical diversity was insufficient to maintain the potential carabid assemblage in these fragments. Predation risk, low dispersal power in endemic New Zealand ground beetles, combined with fragment size and degree of isolation could contribute to this collapse. Active management of ground-active invertebrates seems necessary to protect them in isolated forest fragments.
Botanically diverse, protected forest fragments in the Manawatu contained very poor carabid assemblages. In the potential source area, 9 species were present. The largest forest remnant had 2 species, and a well-managed suburban forest patch had 3 (only 1 with a reproducing population). Lack of grazing and high botanical diversity was insufficient to maintain the potential carabid assemblage in these fragments. Predation risk, low dispersal power in endemic New Zealand ground beetles, combined with fragment size and degree of isolation could contribute to this collapse. Active management of ground-active invertebrates seems necessary to protect them in isolated forest fragments.
Lord et al. (2000): Community reassembly: a test using limestone grassland in New Zealand.
Lord, J.M.; Wilson J.B.; Steel, J.B.; Anderson, B.J. 2000. Community reassembly: a test using limestone grassland in New Zealand. Ecology Letters 3: 213-218.
We assessed the species composition of South Island grassland overlying limestone at Weka Pass, Castle Hill, Beautiful Valley and near Clinton. All of these grasslands have a high proportion of introduced species that also occur in neutral to basic grasslands in the UK. We put the data through the British National Vegetation Classification. Two site with soils <10cm depth were classified as limestone grassland, providing some evidence for community reassembly when the environmental filters are strong enough.
We assessed the species composition of South Island grassland overlying limestone at Weka Pass, Castle Hill, Beautiful Valley and near Clinton. All of these grasslands have a high proportion of introduced species that also occur in neutral to basic grasslands in the UK. We put the data through the British National Vegetation Classification. Two site with soils <10cm depth were classified as limestone grassland, providing some evidence for community reassembly when the environmental filters are strong enough.
Beggs (2000): Impact and control of introduced Vespula wasps in New Zealand.
Beggs, J.R. 2000. Impact and control of introduced Vespula wasps in New Zealand. Hymenoptera: Evolution, Biodiversity and Biological Control. eds. A.D. Austin, M. Dowton. CSIRO publishing. pp 404–409.
This paper summarises the introduction of social Vespula wasps to New Zealand, and the impact that they are having, particularly in honeydew beech forests. There is also a summary of wasp control in New Zealand, dealing with two main strategies: poison-baiting for short-term, localised control; and biological control for self-sustaining, widespread control.
This paper summarises the introduction of social Vespula wasps to New Zealand, and the impact that they are having, particularly in honeydew beech forests. There is also a summary of wasp control in New Zealand, dealing with two main strategies: poison-baiting for short-term, localised control; and biological control for self-sustaining, widespread control.
Moles et al. (2000): Do seed size and shape predict persistence in soil in New Zealand?
Moles, A. T.; Hodson, D. W.; Webb, C. J. 2000. Do seed size and shape predict persistence in soil in New Zealand? Oikos 89: 541-545.
European species with small, rounded seeds have persistent seed banks, but species with larger, elongate or flattened seeds usually lack persistence. This may be because small, rounded seeds are easily incorporated into the soil, and therefore have less exposure to seed predators. We tested whether seed size and shape could predict persistence in soil in 47 species native to New Zealand forests. Species with persistent seeds had significantly smaller seeds than transient-seeded species. However, some species did have large and/or elongate persistent seeds. Perhaps these species can persist because of the low levels of seed predation observed in New Zealand.
European species with small, rounded seeds have persistent seed banks, but species with larger, elongate or flattened seeds usually lack persistence. This may be because small, rounded seeds are easily incorporated into the soil, and therefore have less exposure to seed predators. We tested whether seed size and shape could predict persistence in soil in 47 species native to New Zealand forests. Species with persistent seeds had significantly smaller seeds than transient-seeded species. However, some species did have large and/or elongate persistent seeds. Perhaps these species can persist because of the low levels of seed predation observed in New Zealand.
Miller (2000): Vegetation and habitat are not synonyms. A perspective on New Zealand’s Resource Management Act.
Miller, C.J. 2000. Vegetation and habitat are not synonyms. A perspective on New Zealand’s Resource Management Act. Ecological Management and Restoration 1: 103-105.
The Resource Management Act requires the protection of significant indigenous vegetation and significant habitats of indigenous fauna. This paper argues that assessment of these conditions requires two different approaches if the purpose of the RMA is to be met.
The Resource Management Act requires the protection of significant indigenous vegetation and significant habitats of indigenous fauna. This paper argues that assessment of these conditions requires two different approaches if the purpose of the RMA is to be met.
Norton and Miller (2000): Some issues and options for the conservation of native biodiversity in rural New Zealand.
Norton, D.A.; Miller, C.J. 2000. Some issues and options for the conservation of native biodiversity in rural New Zealand. Ecological Management and Restoration 1: 26-34.
For the 70% of New Zealand in private ownership, most biodiversity conservation has to occur within a landscape that must also provide a productive return to landowners. This paper argues that four key issues need to be considered, and stresses the importance of taking an integrated landscape management approach.
For the 70% of New Zealand in private ownership, most biodiversity conservation has to occur within a landscape that must also provide a productive return to landowners. This paper argues that four key issues need to be considered, and stresses the importance of taking an integrated landscape management approach.
Duncan and Young (2000): Determinants of plant extinction and rarity 145 years after European settlement of Auckland, New Zealand.
Duncan, R.P.; Young, J.R. 2000. Determinants of plant extinction and rarity 145 years after European settlement of Auckland, New Zealand. Ecology 81: 3048-3061.
A remarkable record of the local plant extinctions that have occurred due to urban expansion in the Auckland area exist from vegetation surveys published in 1871 by Thomas Kirk and in 1991 by Alan Esler. This paper analyses this historical record and identifies factors predisposing certain species to rarity or extinction.
A remarkable record of the local plant extinctions that have occurred due to urban expansion in the Auckland area exist from vegetation surveys published in 1871 by Thomas Kirk and in 1991 by Alan Esler. This paper analyses this historical record and identifies factors predisposing certain species to rarity or extinction.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)