Distribution and diet of chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) in Westland lowland forests, South Island, New Zealand: A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master Applied Science at Lincoln University

Abstract

Introduced ungulates have negative impacts on the forest flora of New Zealand. One such ungulate is the chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) which, although considered an alpine animal, is also present in low altitude forests on the South Island's West Coast. Little is known of chamois ecology within these forest habitats due to difficulty in observing them in the steep, forest covered terrain. This study describes the distribution and diet of chamois in Westland lowland forests. A survey of commercial hunters suggests that chamois are abundant within forests in an area extending from the Wanganui River in the north to the Karangarua River to the south; much of this area is within Westland National Park. Chamois densities were lower to the north and south of this area, although in some localised places chr:imois are present in moderate densities. Analysis of the rumen contents of 40 chamois shot in low altitude forest during spring and summer provided quantities and frequency of occurrence of plant species in the diet of Westland chamois. Woody plants contributed the greatest percentage of diet (83.2%). Weinmannia racemosa, Griselinia littoralis, large leaved Coprosma spp., Carmichae/ia spp. and various grasses contributed over 53% of total diet. Only one fern (B/echnum capense) comprised more than 1 % of both seasons' diet. Grasses contributed significantly more to the diet in spring than in summer (P=0.008). This study provides conservation managers with an insight into the distribution and diet of chamois in Westland lowland forests. As such it provides baseline data for future studies of the impact of chamois on regeneration patterns within these forests.