Rare by nature

Rare by nature: updating the list of Naturally Uncommon Ecosystems

Regional councils have responsibilities to monitor and protect ecosystems under the Resource Management Act, national policy statements on freshwater, coastal and indigenous biodiversity, and Te Mana o Te Taiao – Aotearoa New Zealand Biodiversity Strategy.

In 2007, a framework identified 72 naturally uncommon ecosystems in Aotearoa New Zealand (Williams et al. 2007). These ecosystems typically arise due to unusual environmental conditions, are mostly small (<1 to 1000 ha) and non-forested, and often support unique biodiversity. Their rarity means they are poorly understood and often threatened.

This Advice grant project arose as the result of an Envirolink Tools Development grant being led by Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research (MWLR) to better understand naturally uncommon ecosystem by refining their mapping across New Zealand, including defining ways to locate and delimit them on the ground. During this process, additional ecosystems not on the 2007 list were suggested, and arguments were made for splitting or modifying others already present.

Because the list of naturally uncommon ecosystems was intended to be a ‘first approximation’ rather than definitive (Williams et al. 2007), it was considered appropriate to carry out a review to update them. 

As a result of the review by MWLR, refinements were suggested for 24 ecosystems, including 14 additions, 11 refinements (including removing one system), and nine additions.

Conclusions were that there would be following changes to the list of naturally uncommon ecosystems, resulting in a total of 78. Recommendations included to carry out an ecosystem-by-ecosystem threat assessment on the updated list, following the approach used for global ecosystem red listing.

Dr Scott Jarvie, a senior scientist in terrestrial ecology, at the Otago Regional Council, says “this project provides a much-needed update to the list of naturally uncommon ecosystems, and improves our understanding of these ecosystems as well as indigenous biodiversity.”

To download the report, click on the link below:

Naturally uncommon ecosystems – recommendations for updating the list(external link)