64 Boffa Miskell Ltd | Waihi North Project | Terrestrial Ecology Values and Effects of the WUG | 22 June 2022 particularly susceptible to the effects of surface contamination because of their porous skin, but the change to air quality in the area surrounding the vent raise is expected to be very low. Frogs are vulnerable to absorbing emissions through their skin and may be sensitive to the discharges from vent raises. The implications of long-term emissions of the type and quantity expected from the vent raises is unknown. While we consider that the level of effect will be Low, there is a lack of literature to inform this assessment. As such, we consider there is a low likelihood of a residual effect on frogs. We have also considered the potential effects of air discharges on Dactylanthus taylorii (Te Pua a Reinga or wood rose). Dactylanthus taylorii is the only fully parasitic flowering plant endemic to New Zealand. It lives underground as a forest root parasite, and forms a round warty tuber up to 40 cm in diameter on the root of a host tree or shrub. In response to an infection by Dactylanthus, the area of host root at the attachment site enlarges into a finely grooved disk (a “wood rose”). Dactylanthus obtains its nutrients from the host plant through this attachment. It has no green leaves or roots of its own. Currently, Dactylanthus is known to parasitise about 30 species of native trees and shrubs, most of which are fast-growing broadleaved species found mainly on forest margins or disturbed areas. Mahoe, lemonwood, lancewood, kohuhu, wineberry, broadleaf, fivefinger, pate, karamu and putaputaweta are common hosts (La Cock et. al 2005). In late summer to autumn, each plant produces inflorescences filled with nectar which grow just above the forest floor. Short-tailed bats (Mystacina tuberculata) are the only confirmed native pollinator. Mice and introduced ship and Norway rats have been shown to pollinate the flowers, though rats often browse and destroy flowers rather than pollinating them. Possums are also strongly attracted to Dactylanthus flowers and destroy them through browsing. Dactylanthus taylorii has a threat status of ‘Nationally Vulnerable’ due to an apparent decline in distribution over the last 50 years, likely as a result of browsing pressure. Destruction of populations by “wood rose” collectors has also probably contributed to local extinctions of the species throughout parts of its range. However, the current distribution of Dactylanthus taylorii remains uncertain because this plant is only visible above ground during its fairly brief flowering period. Because Dactylanthus has no above-ground foliage, its health depends primarily on the health of the host plant. Dactylanthus has no root structures of its own other than the parts which penetrate the host plant’s root system, therefore the extent of its distribution in the soil profile is constrained by the host plant’s root system. We do not anticipate that the vent discharge will adversely affect the health or growth of prospective Dactylanthus host trees in the vicinity, therefore any populations of Dactylanthus that might be present are similarly unlikely to be affected. We consider that the magnitude of effects of discharges to air on fauna is Low and the ecological value of fauna within Coromandel Forest Park are High. Therefore, the level of effect of discharges to air is assessed as Low, with a low likelihood of a residual effect on frogs.
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