Massey Documents by Type

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/294

Browse

Has files: YesSubject: search.filters.subject.Biodiversity conservation

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 8 of 8
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Ploidy variation in Rhododendron subsection Maddenia and its implications for conservation.
    (Oxford University Press on behalf of the Annals of Botany Company, 2023-06-01) Hu L; Tate JA; Gardiner SE; MacKay M; Loureiro J
    Polyploidy, which is common in plants, can confound taxon recognition and hence conservation assessments. In the taxonomically complex genus Rhododendron, 25 % of the over 1,300 taxa are considered under threat and 27 % Near Threatened or Data Deficient, with their taxonomy needing to be resolved urgently. Although ploidy levels of Rhododendron taxa range from diploid (2x) to dodecaploid (12x) according to previous reports, the extent of polyploidy across the genus has not been examined. We first summarized the taxonomic distribution of polyploids in the genus based on the literature. Then as a case study, we estimated ploidy levels of 47 taxa in subsection Maddenia (subgenus Rhododendron, section Rhododendron) using flow cytometry, together with verification of meiotic chromosome counts for representative taxa. The summary of reported ploidy in Rhododendron indicates that polyploidy is most common in subgenera Pentanthera and Rhododendron. In subsection Maddenia, all examined taxa are diploids except for the R. maddenii complex that shows a high ploidy variation (2-8x, 12x). We investigated ploidy level of 12 taxa in subsection Maddenia for the first time, and estimated genome sizes of two Rhododendron species. Knowledge of ploidy levels will inform phylogenetic analysis of unresolved species complexes. Overall, our study of subsection Maddenia provides a model for examining multiple issues including taxonomic complexity, ploidy variation and geographic distribution in relation to biodiversity conservation.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Predictors of tree damage and survival in agroforests after major cyclone disturbance in Fiji
    (Springer Nature, 2024-03-12) McGuigan A; Tora M; Tikonavuli V; Ticktin T
    This study explores the resilience and damage dynamics of agroforests, a critically important yet understudied agroecological system, in the aftermath of Category-5 Cyclone Winston in Fiji. As agroforestry gains prominence globally as a versatile production system able to support agrobiodiversity and food security for climate resilience, understanding the characteristics that contribute to its resistance and resilience to disturbance becomes increasingly important. Here we examine the effects of individual and species-specific traits, and management (planted and fallow vs forest areas) on the probability of tree stem survival and damage, and discuss the resistant and resilient qualities of trees and management actions in these systems. We found that the probability of post-cyclone survival increased as a function of wood density, irrespective of management type. Damage severity increased with tree size (diameter at breast height). Some of the species with the highest wood density were native trees, emphasizing the role of native species in agroforests, and the value of agroforests to conservation. Overall, agroforest trees experienced relatively low stem mortality (12.2%), suggesting that these agroforests may resist extreme disturbances despite their potential vulnerabilities such as landscape edge effects and altered species compositions. Our study provides insight into the potential of agroforests as resilient agroecological systems capable of withstanding escalating cyclone intensities, and the role of effective management strategies for fostering resilience amid a rapidly changing climate.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Kanopi : how might we improve the environmental and social outcomes of biodiversity conservation projects? : an exegesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Design, Massey University, Te Kunenga Ki Pūrehuroa, Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2018) Rye, Sam
    The environmental conservation sector in New Zealand and Australia is not able to keep pace with the scale of the challenges  facing it, causing widespread loss of our planet’s biodiversity and the potential for profound societal challenges due to our reliance  on ecosystem services. Many of the issues are interconnected and dynamic, brought about through the downstream effects of  population growth and anthropocentric worldviews. Change is needed in how the conservation sector is able to operate, which  better enables the existing sector stakeholders to create positive social and environmental outcomes. However the sector is  chronically underfunded, and thus unable to muster the resources or a collective direction to address the systemic challenges  alone. The challenges are complex (dynamic and emergent), yet we find the majority of resources poured into planning-based  responses that are inadequate due to their reliance on predictive approaches to the unpredictable challenge. The alternative to  planning, is prototyping; a culture rooted in experimentation, adaptation and continuous learning, in order to continually  re-orientate efforts to a desired future.  This research project has focused on designing a targeted systems change intervention, rooted prototyping culture, which seeks to  challenge power dynamics and the mental models of the types of impact that conservation groups can generate. Through systemic  and strategic design, I have generated systems sight, crafted strategy, and developed a portfolio of concepts which serve as both  technological and socio-cultural ‘Trojan Mice’ to challenge existing paradigms which limit the sector’s ability to reverse biodiversity  loss.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Tree collections of Auckland : biodiversity and management : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Applied Science in Landscape Management at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2001) Cliffin, Penelope Frances
    Recent developments in New Zealand environmental legislation and government policies are based on an economic world-view where landscape is portrayed as a 'natural' resource. This paradigm largely ignores the human-made urban landscape where the highest proportion of population live. Our national legislation pays little attention to urban vegetation in general and exotic tree collections in particular. Research therefore has a vital role in highlighting the character and values of urban vegetation, and in analysing the current models used to manage its continued existence. This study examines the importance of charting and managing biodiversity and focuses on managed amenity and scientific tree collections in the Auckland region. This regional study seeks to characterise the biodiversity of tree collections in Auckland, and describe how landscape management can best contribute to their biological and human-use values. The literature review establishes the importance and values of trees and urban vegetation as critical to the fabric of human lifestyles and the ecology of the city. It then reviews the basis for the preservation of biodiversity in managed plant collections. Management principles and systems are reviewed along with the legislative context in Auckland. No mandate is established for exotic plant collection managment under the Resource Management Act, 1991 (RMA1991). Management of this resource is found to lack the focus and funding from which natural and rural biodiversity benefit under the RMA and other national legislation. A biodiversity survey of thirty-eight collections of trees characterises the biodiversity in the collections, and a survey of twelve tree collection managers provides data about the goals, practices and tools used in the management of those collections. Results reveal the diverse and unique flora of Auckland tree collections, and establish a baseline for comparison over time. The regional mix of native and exotic species found in Auckland collections is compared with other national plant surveys, and demonstrates differences consistent with regional climatic character and a differing research focus. The largest collection of trees and the most specialist genera collections were found at the Auckland Regional Botanic Garden, while the university of Auckland provides the most extensive range of scientific plant-collection facilities. There is evidence of sequential open space acquisition for tree collections in the Auckland region. Comparison of best management practices put forward in current literature with current practices of collection managers in Auckland reveals some significant issues. There is little evidence found to suggest strategic plant acquisition goal setting. It is also of concern that only half the collection managers used computerised plant record systems such as inventories and specialised database systems. Only one third of the managers had management plans, and therefore documented collection goals. There was no significant difference in the use of best management practices between the private and publicly owned collections. Well-managed collections are characterised by high or specialist tree species diversity, clear strategic goal setting and management planning, computerised plant record systems, adequate resources, appropriate staffing and the use of monitoring tools. Discussion of these research results leads to three recommendations. Firstly, the management of specific sites is discussed in light of a proposed model for plant collection management. Secondly, management policy for the regional urban Forest is recommended. Lastly, the finding that Auckland's exotic tree collections are a valuable resource worthy of protection, currently having little status under the law, leads to the recommendation for the empowering of a national body (central agency) with a mandate for the national coordination of botanic gardens and plant collections. This research therefore charts aspects of Auckland's urban biodiversity with reference to current legislation and management models. Its findings and recommendations are of importance to reviewers of national environmental legislation, regional policymakers and tree collection managers.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Enhancing biodiversity preservation on privately owned land : an analysis of New Zealand's policy approach : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management in Economics at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2002) Lane, Helen
    A large amount of New Zealand's critical remaining habitat for endemic species is located on private land. This research investigates the factors effecting the achievement of the government's response to the decline of New Zealand's indigenous biodiversity on private land. A central theme is that biodiversity policy proposed at central government level is diluted when actually implemented. Focus will be on landowner incentives to preserve native areas. Landowner incentives are seen as being important because economic agents are guided in their behaviour by the incentives made available to them. A case study approach is used to examine the application of the principal policy tools proposed in the government's response to biodiversity decline, and regional variations in policy implementation are considered. A survey is used to identify what incentives would be required for landowners to preserve their native areas. The analysis suggests that the government's initiatives are not likely to achieve the desired result of 'no net loss' of biodiversity stipulated in biodiversity policy documents. Additional incentive measures are needed, particularly where larger areas of vegetation are concerned. The current voluntary approach favours individual landowners who already have a preference to conserve. Those who do not are excluded by the current policy approach, leaving large areas of native vegetation vulnerable to neglect or destruction. Many landowners will require financial incentives to help them change their current conservation preferences. Financial assistance will also enable larger areas of native vegetation to be actively preserved, as many landowners may not be able to afford preservation activities without assistance.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Optimal forest management for carbon sequestration and biodiversity maintenance : a thesis presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Economics at Massey University, Turitea, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2011) Nghiem, Thi Hong Nhung
    Managing planted forests for carbon sequestration and biodiversity maintenance has become increasingly important in times of rapid climate change and the loss of biodiversity worldwide. The objectives of this study are to find out private and socially optimal management strategies for planted forests, and suggest an appropriate policy for promoting multiple-use forests. The research attempts: (1) to identify the harvesting strategies of forest stands that can maximise the benefits from timber production and carbon sequestration; (2) to identify the patterns that can balance economic gain and biodiversity maintenance; (3) to examine the actual management strategies and biodiversity conservation attitudes of forest owners; and (4) to recommend policy tools that can be used to align private with socially optimal decisions. The Faustmann model is extended to include carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, multiple forest stands and spatial arrangements among forest stands. The Safe Minimum Standard Approach is employed to model biodiversity conservation. The number of birds is used as a biodiversity indicator. A direct search algorithm is used to determine optimal sets of harvesting strategies. The models are applied to planted forests in Yen Bai province, Vietnam. To get primary data, 291 household forest owners and 4 state enterprises, growing Eucalyptus urophylla and Acacia mangium were surveyed. The results show that the actual cutting ages are 5 and 7 years for household and enterprise forests, respectively. Both the optimal timber and carbon rotation ages are between 9 and 11 years for two species. The value of carbon uptake makes the optimal rotation age slightly shorter. The incorporation of spatial arrangements has little impact on the optimal rotation age, but significantly increases the net present value. The inclusion of biodiversity conservation lengthens the rotation age and significantly reduces the profitability of forest owners. Policy implications are that payment for carbon sequestration services of planted forests in Vietnam is feasible. Merging small forest stands of several forest households should be encouraged. Direct payments are an appropriate policy tool to encourage household forest owners to lengthen rotation ages in order to enhance biodiversity.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    A LEEP forward: biodiversity futures for New Zealand: a thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Resource and Environmental Planning at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2007) Calder, Keith Wallace
    Loss of indigenous biodiversity continues in New Zealand. Despite admirable goals in the NZBS 2000 to the contrary, efforts at improved biodiversity conservation have been insufficient to halt loss of significant amounts of indigenous forest and wildlife habitat. Increasing numbers of native species are moving towards critically endangered and extinction. Whatever we are doing in New Zealand, it is not effective enough. The aim of this study is to firstly identify factors contributing to the failure, “to halt the decline of indigenous biodiversity” in New Zealand and to then consider opportunities to overcome these barriers. In considering opportunities, this study then reviews the emerging discipline of landscape ecology as an answer to, at least, some of those factors and the recurring calls from New Zealand ecologists for a more integrated and holistic approach to biodiversity conservation. Recent advances in the planning framework and particularly provisions for biodiversity conservation in England are explored as a model of practical application of landscape ecological principles to land-use planning. From this review, the study proposes a new ‘LEEP’ model for strategic biodiversity conservation that produces a regional-scale spatial conservation map and accompanying policy and implementation guide. Together they provide an integrated and holistic approach to restoring or creating functional landscapes that also recognises and provides for human activities and development. Application of the LEEP model is demonstrated through a case study of the Wellington region. Benefits and potential uses of the map and policy outputs are canvassed. Interviews with leading New Zealand and international ecologists provide an assessment of the current status of landscape ecology and interviewees also act as an expert ‘test panel’ against which the Wellington maps and guides produced from the ‘LEEP’ model are assessed. Finally, suggestions are provided for development of the new model and future research needs towards fuller and more effective implementation of this approach to biodiversity conservation in the New Zealand context.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    A LEEP forward : biodiversity futures for New Zealand : a thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Master of Resource and Environmental Planning at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
    (Massey University, 2007) Calder, Keith Wallace
    Loss of indigenous biodiversity continues in New Zealand. Despite admirable goals in the NZBS 2000 to the contrary, efforts at improved biodiversity conservation have been insufficient to halt loss of significant amounts of indigenous forest and wildlife habitat. Increasing numbers of native species are moving towards critically endangered and extinction. Whatever we are doing in New Zealand, it is not effective enough. The aim of this study is to firstly identify factors contributing to the failure, “to halt the decline of indigenous biodiversity” in New Zealand and to then consider opportunities to overcome these barriers. In considering opportunities, this study then reviews the emerging discipline of landscape ecology as an answer to, at least, some of those factors and the recurring calls from New Zealand ecologists for a more integrated and holistic approach to biodiversity conservation. Recent advances in the planning framework and particularly provisions for biodiversity conservation in England are explored as a model of practical application of landscape ecological principles to land-use planning. From this review, the study proposes a new ‘LEEP’ model for strategic biodiversity conservation that produces a regional-scale spatial conservation map and accompanying policy and implementation guide. Together they provide an integrated and holistic approach to restoring or creating functional landscapes that also recognises and provides for human activities and development. Application of the LEEP model is demonstrated through a case study of the Wellington region. Benefits and potential uses of the map and policy outputs are canvassed. Interviews with leading New Zealand and international ecologists provide an assessment of the current status of landscape ecology and interviewees also act as an expert ‘test panel’ against which the Wellington maps and guides produced from the ‘LEEP’ model are assessed. Finally, suggestions are provided for development of the new model and future research needs towards fuller and more effective implementation of this approach to biodiversity conservation in the New Zealand context.