Korapuki Island as a case study for restoration of insular ecosystems in New Zealand

摘要: Aim Success with eradicating invasive species from islands around New Zealand raises the prospect of reversing loss by restoring biotic communities on modified islands. I seek to identify methods that can be used clarify restoration targets Korapuki Island, which was introduced mammals until 1987. Location Korapuki, Green and Middle islands, Mercury Islands, north-eastern Zealand. Methods I describe identifying using biogeographical frameworks, benchmark systems based neighbouring unmodified Methods help directions rates change are also investigated. Results The (Middle Green) have complex forest a distinctive component large, flightless invertebrates, dense populations tuatara Sphenodon punctatus (Gray), diverse lizards burrowing seabirds. The island (Korapuki) has simplified systems, few large no S. punctatus, depauperate fauna scattered These differences consistent recorded effects rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus (L.) Pacific rats Rattus exulans (Peale) removed Island in 1986–87. Three scenarios described identified. Time scales for natural succession likely influenced long-lived colonizing tree now predominate over much island. rate expansion reintroduced animals is very low productivity many apparently extirpated mammals. Main conclusions Ecological ecosystems been likened reconstituting ambiguous because conceptual practical difficulties. Goals often dependent value judgements. Biological outcomes or clarified use as benchmarks. However, successional pathways restored may not converge benchmarks environmental between sites.