Tongariro forest Wildlife significance

Ruapehu Bulletin, 11 August 1992, Page 16

Tongariro forest Wildlife significance

This is the third of a series of articles written about Tongariro Forest by Conservation Officer lan Goodison of Whakapapa. Tongariro Forest is approximately 25,000 hectares of mostly cutover native bush, with several remnants of untouched virgin bush. Tongariro Forest bridges between the King Country and Tongariro ecological regions, providing a natural link between these two geologically and physically distinct regions. Six areas within the forest, either virgin or lightly modified bush, have been recommended for dedication as ecological areas of special significance. The area is now known to be a habitat for several threatened bird and plant species. Kiwi are relatively common throughout the forest. Surveys last year indicated similar numbers to a previous survey seven years ago. Further work will be carried out this year to get a more detailed picture of the health of the kiwi population, as part of the nationwide Kiwi recovery programme. Kaka and Kakariki are heard occasionally. The areas of virgin bush are of special significance for these two birds as they build their nests tucked away in holes and hollows in large old trees which are usually only present in untouched

bush. The cry of the Karearea or bush falcon can be heard and they are sometimes sighted flying swiftly overhead. Whio, the blue duck, is resident on the many streams and rivers. Blue duck live together as breeding pairs laying claim to approximately lkm of stream which they permanently occupy and defend from newcomers. They need clear water with stable water flows for a reliable supply of insect food and bush-clad stream banks to provide shelter and protection. This type of habitat is only found in forested areas and their natural range has been greatly reduced by land clearance for farming, resulting in a threatened and declining species. Every year a survey of blue duck is carried out to help provide more information for scientists. Last year several young birds were caught for a captive breeding programme. Their offspring will be used to re-popu-late suitable areas currently not occupied by birds. The rare and endangered Dactylanthus taylorii can be found in some locations. This country's only fully parasitic flowering native plant attaches itself as a seed to the roots of certain native hardwood trees, growing and moulding

the host root into roselike shapes. Habitat destruction due to land clearance and browsing of possums who find the flower shoots very tasty have contributed to the rare status of this species, but it has also been harvested extensively by people who dig it up, boil the host root and clean it up for the ornament known as woodflower or wood-rose. Many homes around the central North Island have a wood-flower on display. This endangered plant is now protected by law, but unfortunately not where it grows on private land. The latest research suggests this plant is mainly pollinated by the native short-tailed bat, which is also a rare species, so it may be doubly difficult to save the plant from extinction and even more important for us to try. Coprosma turnerii is another rare and declining plant found in the Otamawairua area and known to occur only at nine other locations. Although young trees are present, adult specimens are very rare and it is thought that this species is short-lived. It's rarity is attributed to deforestation of its natural range in the central North Island. (The next article will be about recreation use and opportunities.)