Urlich, StephenHopkins, CJThompson, T2019-11-282007https://hdl.handle.net/10182/11150In the early years of the 20th century, red mistletoe (Peraxilla tetrapetala) and scarlet mistletoe (P. colensoi) were abundant in the Tararua Range. Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) impacts are thought to be the cause of near extinction of mistletoe populations. However, since 1996 the Animal Health Board and Greater Wellington Regional Council began possum control operations in the Tararua Forest on a three-year cycle, and mistletoe sightings have increased. Although the population appears to be increasing, the condition of mistletoe plants in the population is not well understood. Here we present results from an intensive survey done in December 2004. A total of 56 plants were resurveyed using a foliar browse method, most were photographed, and host trees were tagged. We located five new plants. Since 2000, 14 mistletoes have died (mortality 23% or around 5% per year). Probable causes of mortality vary from death of host trees due to disturbance or light competition, shading of mistletoes, and possum impacts. Existing bands on many host trees appear to be ineffective in preventing possums from reaching plants. There is now a core population of 47 plants (30 Peraxilla tetrapetala, 17 P. colensoi) which can be monitored in a systematic way. Plants are located in clusters around Holdsworth, Atiwhakatu and Blue Range. This is 76% of the total known population in the Tararua Range. To protect the population, we recommend, in order of priority: (1) Banding all host trees, repairing existing bands, and managing surrounding vegetation to provide more light to shaded mistletoe plants; (2) Monitoring the population annually during flowering (this should enable new plants to be detected); (3) Restoring populations by planting mistletoe fruits on suitable host trees, and monitoring the germination success and growth of young plants; (4) Systematically ground search in different areas for new plants, particularly in the seven-year possum control areas. The Department of Conservation (DOC) has decided to repair existing bands on host trees, and will continue to closely monitor the plants for the time being.pp.37-47Possum browseThreatened plantsPossum controlJournal ArticleANZSRC::050211 Wildlife and Habitat Management