The Mackenzie Basin ecology and protection

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "The Mackenzie Basin ecology and protection"

Angelica Joleen Warren
5 years ago
Views:

1 The Mackenzie Basin ecology and protection Photo Chris Woolmore Nicholas Head Plant Ecologist

2 Acknowledgements Warren Chinn, Joy Comrie, Iain Gover, Di Lucas, Brian Patrick, Geoff Rogers, Susan Walker, Chris Woolmore

nationally rare glacial derived ecosystems rich biodiversity and strongholds for many threatened species ~

3 Largest inter-montane basin in NZ Background Characterised by: climatic extremes = ecologically distinctive desert character (semiarid; drought and frost, hot and cold) comprises extensive sequences of nationally rare glacial derived ecosystems rich biodiversity and strongholds for many threatened species ~ 24% Canty s threatened and uncommon plants (>60 spp) wide open landscapes of distinctive undeveloped glacial landforms

4 Photo G. Denton Sequences of glacial landforms. High geographical and environmental variation at macro and micro scale.

5 Ref: Cooksley 2008

slopes and moraines scrub, red and fescue tussock on driest and youngest surfaces rich

6 12,000 ybp rock, gravel, bare ground, colonising herbaceous vegetation Pre human Vegetation 5,000 ybp complex woody mosaic: open conifer forest and scrub on humid hill slopes and moraines scrub, red and fescue tussock on driest and youngest surfaces rich biodiversity adapted to open naturally disturbed habitats (climate and fauna) natural fire rare

7 Arrival of Maori ~900 ybp extensive fire loss of hill slope forest and basin floor conifer forest/scrub down slope migration of snow tussock expansion of fescue tussock, red tussock and scrub across basin floor extinction of large birds

Arrival of Europeans ~ 1840 European arrival extensive fescue tussock, red tussock and scrub dune lands rivers of sand (surveyor general 1850s) great tawny expanse of low tussock grassland (von Haast

8 Arrival of Europeans ~ 1840 European arrival extensive fescue tussock, red tussock and scrub dune lands rivers of sand (surveyor general 1850s) great tawny expanse of low tussock grassland (von Haast 1862) Continued depletion weeds, pests overgrazing (refs: von Haast. 1870; Cockayne, L. 1919; Zotov, V.1938; Molloy et al 1963; Connor, H. 1964; O Connor, K. 1982; Burrows, C. 1996; McGlone et al. 1998; 2001; Walker et al. 2003)

9 Water colour by surveyor Thompson (1857)

10 Despite long history of disturbance and ecosystem depletion by humans, much of the Mackenzie retains its natural character and biological values.

Mackenzie Basin: - National Stronghold for Naturally Rare Ecosystems Especially: - inland alluvial surfaces, inland dunes, moraines, kettleholes, braided rivers, wetlands Unparalleled for their

11 Mackenzie Basin: - National Stronghold for Naturally Rare Ecosystems Especially: - inland alluvial surfaces, inland dunes, moraines, kettleholes, braided rivers, wetlands Unparalleled for their extent and diversity Occur in contiguous sequences Provide habitats for numerous rare and threatened species The protection of naturally rare ecosystems and habitats for threatened species are national priorities (Mf E 2007)

12 ...inland alluvial surfaces and associated nationally threatened plants Leptinella conjuncta Myosurus minimus Ceratocephala pungens

13 ...inland dunes and threatened plants Lepidium solandri Pimelea pulvinaris Carmichaelia vexillata

14 ...moraines, kettleholes and threatened plants Isolepis basilaris Iphigenia novae-zelandiae Cardamine Tarn

15 Braided rivers and threatened rare birds black-fronted tern banded dotterel wrybill black-billed gull black stilt oystercatcher

16 Wetlands and threatened rare freshwater fish Lowland longjaw galaxias koaro Bignose galaxias Upland alpine galaxias

17 Important Invertebrate Values Extremely high numbers of species, esp. moths, beetles and grasshoppers (31 native moths) Many endemic and highly threatened species (4 nationally critical moths, 1 nationally endangered) Critical importance of depleted habitats : - dunes, rocky, bare ground, depressions of low-growing plants, cushion vegetation, scarps, terraces, riverbed, seasonal wetlands and fescue tussock

18 Brachaspis robustus Sigaus minutus Hemiandrus sp Hexathele aff. petriei

protected As a result the protection of indigenous biodiversity on threatened land environments is a national priority

19 Mackenzie Basin: - also a Stronghold for Nationally Threatened and At Risk Ecosystems New Zealand s low-lying ecosystems have undergone a very high degree of development Few natural areas remain and those that do are poorly protected As a result the protection of indigenous biodiversity on threatened land environments is a national priority (MfE 2007) The Mackenzie retains some of the largest areas of undeveloped threatened and at risk ecosystems remaining in New Zealand

Tenure Review s Dryland Park Concept In recognition of the Mackenzie s distinctiveness and its importance for NZ s rare and threatened dryland biodiversity And that few other (if any) opportunities

20 Tenure Review s Dryland Park Concept In recognition of the Mackenzie s distinctiveness and its importance for NZ s rare and threatened dryland biodiversity And that few other (if any) opportunities remain in NZ to protect similar values at large scales and along contiguous ecological sequences Drylands Park acknowledged by Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment as a highly desirable conservation objective

21 Photo: Chris Woolmore... also protecting iconic landscapes and scenic corridors adjoining a major highway and tourist route - vistas long appreciated by generations of NZers

22 ...promoting opportunities for Tourism and the Conservation Economy Outstanding recreation opportunities: mountain biking, tramping, cycling, hunting, fishing etc Much greater potential for increased use: Corridor from to the Basin floor to Aoraki National Park.

Rational for Protection - Relevant Legislative and Policy Framework CPLA = protect inherent natural values PNAP and numerous RAPS in Mackenzie (1980 s ) RMA (1991) = requires protection of

23 Rational for Protection - Relevant Legislative and Policy Framework CPLA = protect inherent natural values PNAP and numerous RAPS in Mackenzie (1980 s ) RMA (1991) = requires protection of significant ecological values Tenure Review = protection of significant inherent values (biodiversity and landscape) New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy (MfE 2000) National Priorities for protection (MfE 2007) NRRP (2011?)

but Increasing Threats and Diminishing Opportunities Extensive loss and fragmentation occurring in the Mackenzie - biologically rich dryland ecosystems being lost -

24 but Increasing Threats and Diminishing Opportunities Extensive loss and fragmentation occurring in the Mackenzie - biologically rich dryland ecosystems being lost - significant natural landscapes lost e.g. Twizel to Omarama road corridor was until recently an ecosystem of national significance for invertebrates! Much more planned!

25 Canterbury Plains

26 The upper Waitaki Basin!

27 Other threats = Weeds and pests

Management and Sustainability of Dryland Ecosystems The Tekapo Scientific Reserve Dryland ecosystems typically depleted through a long history of

28 Management and Sustainability of Dryland Ecosystems The Tekapo Scientific Reserve Dryland ecosystems typically depleted through a long history of burning, sheep, rabbits, weeds, but most retain ecological values. Even the most depleted ecosystems can recover with appropriate management and patience!

29 Monitoring Plots Tekapo Scientific Reserve

Summary The Mackenzie Basin is one the most ecologically distinctive areas in New Zealand a stronghold for many rare ecosystems and threatened species of national priority to protect presents a

30 Summary The Mackenzie Basin is one the most ecologically distinctive areas in New Zealand a stronghold for many rare ecosystems and threatened species of national priority to protect presents a unique challenge as one of last opportunities to protect dryland ecosystems in New Zealand at a sustainable scale Although depleted and facing numerous threats, dryland ecosystems are resilient with appropriate management. Photo Chris Woolmore

Compilation of Summary of intrinsic values chapters from Canterbury Conservancy s intrinsic values catchment reports.

CWMS: Ashburton Zone Compilation of Summary of intrinsic values chapters from Canterbury Conservancy s intrinsic values catchment reports. The status of the intrinsic values reports that these chapters