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Jones AG, Cridge A, Fraser S, Holt L, Klinger S, McGregor KF, Paul T, Payn T, Scott MB, Yao RT, Dickinson Y. Transitional forestry in New Zealand: re-evaluating the design and management of forest systems through the lens of forest purpose. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2023; 98:1003-1015. [PMID: 36808687 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Forestry management worldwide has become increasingly effective at obtaining high timber yields from productive forests. In New Zealand, a focus on improving an increasingly successful and largely Pinus radiata plantation forestry model over the last 150 years has resulted in some of the most productive timber forests in the temperate zone. In contrast to this success, the full range of forested landscapes across New Zealand, including native forests, are impacted by an array of pressures from introduced pests, diseases, and a changing climate, presenting a collective risk of losses in biological, social and economic value. As the national government policies incentivise reforestation and afforestation, the social acceptability of some forms of newly planted forests is also being challenged. Here, we review relevant literature in the area of integrated forest landscape management to optimise forests as nature-based solutions, presenting 'transitional forestry' as a model design and management paradigm appropriate to a range of forest types, where forest purpose is placed at the heart of decision making. We use New Zealand as a case study region, describing how this purpose-led transitional forestry model can benefit a cross section of forest types, from industrialised forest plantations to dedicated conservation forests and a range of multiple-purpose forests in between. Transitional forestry is an ongoing multi-decade process of change from current 'business-as-usual' forest management to future systems of forest management, embedded across a continuum of forest types. This holistic framework incorporates elements to enhance efficiencies of timber production, improve overall forest landscape resilience, and reduce some potential negative environmental impacts of commercial plantation forestry, while allowing the ecosystem functioning of commercial and non-commercial forests to be maximised, with increased public and biodiversity conservation value. Implementation of transitional forestry addresses tensions that arise between meeting climate mitigation targets and improving biodiversity criteria through afforestation, alongside increasing demand for forest biomass feedstocks to meet the demands of near-term bioenergy and bioeconomy goals. As ambitious government international targets are set for reforestation and afforestation using both native and exotic species, there is an increasing opportunity to make such transitions via integrated thinking that optimises forest values across a continuum of forest types, while embracing the diversity of ways in which such targets can be reached.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan G Jones
- Scion (New Zealand Forest Research Institute), Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua, 3046, New Zealand
| | - Andrew Cridge
- Scion (New Zealand Forest Research Institute), Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua, 3046, New Zealand
| | - Stuart Fraser
- Scion (New Zealand Forest Research Institute), Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua, 3046, New Zealand
| | - Lania Holt
- Scion (New Zealand Forest Research Institute), Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua, 3046, New Zealand
| | - Sebastian Klinger
- Scion (New Zealand Forest Research Institute), Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua, 3046, New Zealand
| | - Kirsty F McGregor
- Scion (New Zealand Forest Research Institute), Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua, 3046, New Zealand
| | - Thomas Paul
- Scion (New Zealand Forest Research Institute), Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua, 3046, New Zealand
| | - Tim Payn
- Scion (New Zealand Forest Research Institute), Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua, 3046, New Zealand
| | - Matthew B Scott
- Scion (New Zealand Forest Research Institute), Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua, 3046, New Zealand
| | - Richard T Yao
- Scion (New Zealand Forest Research Institute), Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua, 3046, New Zealand
| | - Yvette Dickinson
- Scion (New Zealand Forest Research Institute), Titokorangi Drive, Private Bag 3020, Rotorua, 3046, New Zealand
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Farnworth B. First evidence of avian predation of threatened freshwater mussels (. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/wr20209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract Context Conservation efforts for New Zealand freshwater mussels (kākahi) are challenging because of their longevity and their complex life history, but also by the scarcity of research that has investigated causes of decline. Reproductive constraints may impair recruitment, but other key aspects that influence population structure, such as predation pressure, remain unknown. Predation is an emerging risk for kākahi because, although bivalve predation has been observed in New Zealand waterways, its prevalence and impacts remain unquantified. Aims The present study resolves trophic interactions with predator populations by identifying kākahi predators and examining characteristics of freshwater mussels (e.g. species or size) that may indicate vulnerability to predation. Methods Intensive monitoring was conducted over 6 weeks (January to March 2020) by using trail cameras to observe kākahi predators at the Orongo Stream, a western Waikato (New Zealand) site with high densities of Echyridella aucklandica (threat status: Vulnerable) and E. menziesii (Declining). Predated kākahi shell remains were analysed to (i) identify typical patterns of shell damage, and (ii) determine prey selectivity via size distribution. Key results Eight observations of an avian predator (pūkeko, Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus) interacting with both E. aucklandica and E. menziesii were recorded; however, E. menziesii comprised a significantly greater proportion of the shell remains that had direct evidence of predation. Both species of mussel displayed significantly more damage to the posterior end of the valves but size selectivity was detected only for E. menziesii. Conclusions Pūkeko actively search for mussels and frequently consume them as part of a wider diet when they are accessible during summer. Whereas healthy populations of freshwater mussels may withstand predation by native species, populations that face substantial pressure from other natural stressors and anthropogenic change may suffer. Predation impacts on kākahi populations should be a factor considered for the future management of New Zealand mussel species. Implications Identifying pūkeko as kākahi predators clarifies food webs for conservation managers and highlights the need to quantify their impact on mussel populations; particularly for E. menziesii, which may be more vulnerable to predation.
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Roesch MA, Hansen DM, Cole NC. Understanding demographic limiting factors to species recovery: Nest-site suitability and breeding ecology of Phelsuma guentheri on Round Island, Mauritius. Glob Ecol Conserv 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Lester PJ, Bulgarella M, Baty JW, Dearden PK, Guhlin J, Kean JM. The potential for a CRISPR gene drive to eradicate or suppress globally invasive social wasps. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12398. [PMID: 32709966 PMCID: PMC7382497 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69259-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
CRISPR gene drives have potential for widespread and cost-efficient pest control, but are highly controversial. We examined a potential gene drive targeting spermatogenesis to control the invasive common wasp (Vespula vulgaris) in New Zealand. Vespula wasps are haplodiploid. Their life cycle makes gene drive production challenging, as nests are initiated by single fertilized queens in spring followed by several cohorts of sterile female workers and the production of reproductives in autumn. We show that different spermatogenesis genes have different levels of variation between introduced and native ranges, enabling a potential 'precision drive' that could target the reduced genetic diversity and genotypes within the invaded range. In vitro testing showed guide-RNA target specificity and efficacy that was dependent on the gene target within Vespula, but no cross-reactivity in other Hymenoptera. Mathematical modelling incorporating the genetic and life history traits of Vespula wasps identified characteristics for a male sterility drive to achieve population control. There was a trade-off between drive infiltration and impact: a drive causing complete male sterility would not spread, while partial sterility could be effective in limiting population size if the homing rate is high. Our results indicate that gene drives may offer viable suppression for wasps and other haplodiploid pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip J Lester
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Mariana Bulgarella
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - James W Baty
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, PO Box 600, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Peter K Dearden
- Genomics Aotearoa and Biochemistry Department, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Joseph Guhlin
- Genomics Aotearoa and Biochemistry Department, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - John M Kean
- AgResearch Limited, Hamilton, 3240, New Zealand
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Hare KM, Schumann N, Hoskins AJ, Daugherty CH, Towns DR, Chapple DG. Predictors of translocation success of captive‐reared lizards: implications for their captive management. Anim Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. M. Hare
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology Victoria University of Wellington Wellington New Zealand
| | - N. Schumann
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton VIC Australia
| | - A. J. Hoskins
- CSIRO Townsville Australian Tropical Science & Innovation Precinct James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
| | - C. H. Daugherty
- Centre for Biodiversity and Restoration Ecology Victoria University of Wellington Wellington New Zealand
| | - D. R. Towns
- New Zealand Department of Conservation Auckland New Zealand
- Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand School of Sciences Auckland University of Technology Auckland New Zealand
| | - D. G. Chapple
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton VIC Australia
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Daugherty CH, Towns DR. One ecosystem, one national park: a new vision for biodiversity conservation in New Zealand. J R Soc N Z 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/03036758.2019.1659834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - David R. Towns
- School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
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Towns DR, Daugherty CH, Broome K, Timmins S, Clout M. The thirty-year conservation revolution in New Zealand: an introduction. J R Soc N Z 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/03036758.2019.1652192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David R. Towns
- Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Keith Broome
- Department of Conservation, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | | | - Mick Clout
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Simberloff
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA
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Peltzer DA, Bellingham PJ, Dickie IA, Houliston G, Hulme PE, Lyver PO, McGlone M, Richardson SJ, Wood J. Scale and complexity implications of making New Zealand predator-free by 2050. J R Soc N Z 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/03036758.2019.1653940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ian A. Dickie
- Bio-Protection Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | | | - Philip E. Hulme
- Bio-Protection Research Centre, Lincoln University, Lincoln, New Zealand
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Nelson NJ, Briskie JV, Constantine R, Monks J, Wallis GP, Watts C, Wotton DM. The winners: species that have benefited from 30 years of conservation action. J R Soc N Z 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/03036758.2018.1518249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J. Nelson
- School of Biological Sciences, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - James V. Briskie
- Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | | | - Joanne Monks
- Biodiversity Group, New Zealand Department of Conservation, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Graham P. Wallis
- Department of Zoology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Corinne Watts
- Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Debra M. Wotton
- Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Moa’s Ark Research, Wellington, New Zealand
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