CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECT

The impact of kānuka and poplar silvopastoral systems on bird biodiversity

This project was led by Sophie Dobson whilst doing her master's at Massey University.

It explored the impact of low density kānuka, low density poplar and willow, and high density bush patches on bird species richness and abundance.

Preliminary results of this project include:

• 190% increase in native bird numbers in high density bush compared to open pasture.

• 120% increase in native bird numbers in low density kānuka compared to open pasture.

• 49% increase in native bird numbers in low density poplar and willow compared to open pasture.