‘Conflict’ in needs of rare species

Press, 11 December 1989, Page 5

‘Conflict’ in needs of rare species

PA Nelson Tuataras and other rare and endangered species on Stephens Island could have conflicting habitat requirements, according to the Conservation Department’s protection manager, Mr Peter Lawless. Because of this the department was bringing in experts on the different species to help develop a more formal management system for the island. Stephens and Maud islands are being used as refuges for rare species. They could be managed for these species to the detriment of rarer species which lived there naturally, Mr Lawless said. Managing the island for the sake of tuatara could bring about a tuatara population boom which could threaten even rarer

native frogs and beetles. Another question was whether the sheep should be removed to allow revegetation and better bird habitat or keep the sheep and clear the land which was better for tuataras. Another competing claim on Stephens Island was from local Maori people. A spokesman, Mr Jim Elkinton of Picton, would attend a workshop to talk about management of the island if ownership was returned to the Maori people. Nelson Conservation Department staff would explain the practicalities of managing the islands at the workshop. Mr Lawless said the management system would be developed over the next few years.