Thread: Is that a pukeko or a Takahe Oooops!

Climate change-global warming- the coming ice age- whatever;- the major changes which are cyclically altering the environmental characteristics which shaped the evolution of our present NZ ecosystem will have major effects on the less adaptable species and create opportunities for new varieties to adapt. This includes vegetation, stream temperatures, runoff, erosion rates, leaf litter decomposition rates, food chain, food type and availability. The economics and forms of energy necessary to make life comfortable for humans is changing; it has to; because the existing forms we create are fast becoming too expensive and or the resources required are finite, while we continue to breed like maggots. In the meantime and concurrently we have to farm crops, meat, milk, wool, etc more efficiently from the finite arable land and probably diminishing climate resources.

The forests offer far greater potential to us as hunters and fishermen, foresters and engineers, than any Takahe or Blue Wattled Crow and IMHO that Forest and Mountain resource should be recognised and managed for what IT IS AND CAN BE; rather than regarded by extreme greens as a tree huggers prayer room. I do not believe the ecosystem will collapse if Takahe vanish. However the basic infrastructure from microbes through to the ungulates are integral to managing the whole for a far greater potential benefit than the government recognises.

I do not wish to see more viable forests destroyed for farm or urban use, but believe as a Forester that our existing forests should be expanded , diversified and managed to realise their full potential as both a spiritual/ recreational as well as economically recognised massive resource. Inherent in this are the landforms and waterways and an inherent right for all New Zealanders to have access.

I'd better stop or will start a book.