Waihi North Project: Assessment of Terrestrial Ecological Values & Effects 62138 WNP AEE 43 5.3.1.1.4 Kauri stand Of note, is a stand of 40-50 kauri trees with some rewarewa trees, on a north facing projection of the northern ridge of the SNA 166 southern fragment. These trees appear to be healthy (no sign of kauri dieback was observed), however the stand is grazed underneath by cattle (i.e. there is no lower tier ground cover typical of a kauri forest). It is therefore a “treeland” of kauri and rewarewa. Figure 22. Stand of kauri trees with some rewarewa. 5.3.1.1.5 Summary values within SNA 166 (Southern Fragment) Overall, the vegetation within the SNA 166 southern fragment has a low diversity (species richness) and is a large area. Its future in the absence of management is uncertain, made so by the prominent pine and its ability to more rapidly colonise and spread through the currently early seral communities and the occasional stock breaches (fence failures) throughout. This will propagate a future pine dominant forest (in all but the currently most dense rewarewa regeneration area), which while containing more natives than a production pine forest will not represent a native (significant) indigenous vegetation type or habitat. Continued presence of livestock will reduce natural regeneration and indigenous species diversity in the parts of the SNA where livestock continue to have access.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjE2NDg3