Ecological Information for Geothermal Sites in Waikato Region

Abstract

Geothermal ecosystems are some of the most threatened ecosystems in the Waikato Region, having undergone significant reductions in extent and condition. Five geothermal ecosystem types have been recognised in New Zealand. These are all considered to have been naturally rare prior to human colonisation of New Zealand (Williams et al. 2007) and have all been identified as Critically Endangered (Holdaway et al. 2012). Waikato Regional Council (WRC) has an inventory of geothermal sites in the Waikato Region, which contains a summary of ecological information prepared by Wildland Consultants (2014).
A framework of ecological indicators assessing geothermal extent, condition, and protection status was developed recently (Wildland Consultants 2015), but information gaps meant that this framework could not be applied across all Waikato geothermal sites. Key gaps identified were lack of information on non-vascular plant species, herpetofauna, fish, invertebrates, and fungi. In addition, relatively few sites had any quantitative monitoring or detailed ecological restoration plans. A framework was therefore developed to prioritise the filling of these information gaps by surveying priority geothermal sites.