The Manganuioteao River: an inventory of riparian strip vegetation and its influence on Blue duck habitat

Abstract

This is a study of the riparian strips of the Manganuioteao River. The study focuses on the vegetation of the riparian strip. It is basically a very broad inventory, designed as an introduction to further riparian ecosystem research on this river. Information available from this study will also be a guide to making immediate and long term management decisions. The study only concentrates on the Manganuioteao River itself, ignoring the various tributaries. These will be completed at a later date. There are two study goals. 1. To form an inventory of riparian strips on the Manganuioteao River (80%) 2. To attempt to establish if the vegetation type and condition is a reason why no blue duck live downstream from Ruatiti Domain (20%). In addition to these goals some management suggestions are made for the riparian strips.