Ecological area

An ecological area is a type of New Zealand protected area. They are usually large (1,000 to 5,000 hectares) and usually feature the main ecosystems of a defined ecological district.[1] There are currently 57 recognised ecological areas in New Zealand.[2]

Like sanctuary areas, most ecological areas were set aside by the now defunct New Zealand Forest Service in the 1970s and 1980s in response to activism by the conservationist movement.[1] Historically, ecological areas have mostly been in Southland and the West Coast of the South Island, and the Bay of Plenty Region of the North Island.[1]

Ecological areas are usually accessible to the general public, but dogs are prohibited.[1]

North Island

Auckland Region

  • Omaha Ecological Area[2]

Waikato Region

  • Hapuakohe Ecological Area
  • Kapowai Ecological Area
  • Moehau Ecological Area
  • Otahu Ecological Area
  • Papakai Ecological Area
  • Raepahu Fernbird Ecological Area
  • Taumatatawhero Ecological Area
  • Waihaha Ecological Area
  • Waiomu Ecological Area
  • Whenuakura Ecological Area[2]

Manawatū-Whanganui Region

  • Manakau Ecological Area
  • Maramataha Ecological Area
  • Pukepoto Ecological Area
  • Rotokuru Ecological Area
  • Whenuakura Ecological Area[2]

Wellington Region

  • Manakau Ecological Area
  • Penn Creek Ecological Area[2]

South Island

Tasman District

West Coast Region

Otago Region

  • Aramoana Ecological Area[2]

Southland Region

  • Lindsay Ecological Area[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Molloy, Les. "Specially protected areas". Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "New Zealand Gazetteer". linz.govt.nz. Land Information New Zealand.
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