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

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 threatened bird species were found, as well as invertebrates characteristic of Fiordland and of Central Otago, plus some endemic species, mostly at high altitude. Checklists of vascular plant taxa and several faunal groups are appended.

Extending through montane to high-alpine zones (260-2035 m) and lying within a moderately humid belt, the District's climate, soils, vegetation, flora and fauna are generally intermediate between those of the superhumid Fiord Ecological Region to the west and the drier, more continental Central Otago Ecological Region to the east. The study revealed a wide spectrum of biological features that are currently unrepresented in reserves and not duplicated in other Crown-owned parts of the District. A Recommended Area for Protection (RAP) of c. 33,000 ha was identified and is documented. It embraces an extensive upland and mountainous area with very high biological, ecological, geomorphological, scenic and recreational values. Completion of the Eyre Ecological District PNA survey is recommended.

Keywords:

• Nature conservation
• Protected Natural Areas survey
• Eyre Mountains
• Eyre Ecological District
• Mavora Ecological Region
• indigenous vegetation
• forest
• shrubland
• grassland
• herbfield
• fellfield
• snowbank
• bluff
• scree
• vascular flora
• cluster analysis
• ordination
• avifauna
• Coleoptera
• Lepidoptera
• Mollusca
• endemic biota
• threatened species