Observations on two animal exclosures in Haurangi forest over a period of twenty years (1951-1971).

Authors: G. T. Jane, L. T. Pracy
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1974, Issue N.Z.J.For. 19(1) 1974, pp 102-113, May 1974
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

Abstract: In two exclosures established in Haurangi Forest to exclude ungulates, opossums have not affected recovery of the vegetation. Although within the exclosures recovery was initially slow, after ten years a complete canopy had formed, with litter and humus accumulation, and after 20 years a canopy replacement layer had formed which has ensured the perpetuation of the forest type. Outside the exclosures, in spite of large reductions in animal numbers, little response was seen other than the slow growth of unpalatable tree ferns.