(Kim) 23.

Question 1

Consequences of masting in NZ

Start of in a beech forrest

(Beech forest = large ‘shadey’ canopy which covers ground with leaves)

1. Flowers fall
2. Beech seed fall
3. Leaves fall

= Litter for invertebrates

4. Mice eat the seeds + inverts (especially protein rich caterpillars)
5. Lots of mice = Lots of stoats
6. Stoats have a big negative impact on bird population

Answer 1

Question 2

Conclusion

• Beech forest = either feast or famine habitat
• Linked into breeding cycle of kakapo (fruits)
• Stoats the very worst species that could have been bought to NZ
• Mice & stoats have enormous breeding potential
• 1080 not perfect but the best tool at present

(have to use what tools we have now, if not now then by the time we have a better solution there may be nothing left to protect.