The consequences for wildlife of expanding New Zealand's forest industry.

Authors: P. C. Bull
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1981, Issue N.Z.J.For. 26(2) 1981, pp 210-231, Aug 1981
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Information about wildlife (especially birds) in pine forests in New Zealand is reviewed as a basis for assessing likely effects of further expansion of the forest industry. Faunal diversity increases with the age of the pine trees though it rarely, if ever, becomes as high in pine forests as in unmodified native forests in equivalent sites. Long-rotation pine forests provide useful habitats for some {but not all) native animals and will further benefit nature conservation if they reduce the demand for native timbers. On the other hand, exotic forestry conflicts with nature conservation when new forests replace native vegetation or give rise to industries that modify or pollute natural waterways. The value of exotic forests as wildlife habitats could be improved by establishing corridors of native vegetation within the forest, by including trees which provide a seasonal succession of nectar or berries, by cropping the forest on a patchwork basis and on a long rotation for sawlogs rather than a short rotation for pulp, by controlling pests with sprays and baits safe to non-target species, and by encouraging further research on the habitat requirements of native animals.

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