East Cape

Primary successions involving teatree (Kunzea ericoides var. ericoides with some Leptospermum scoparium) were studied on shallow landslide scars on soft sedimentary (mudstone) hill country under extensive pastoral use in the East Cape (Tairawhiti) region, using a 5-72 yr chronosequence established from sequential aerial photography and the age of the oldest teatrees on scars. Dynamics of primary even-aged teatree stands are similar to those in secondary successions on reverting pasture described previously from the region.

The distribution and abundance of Hochstetter's frog (Leiopelma hochstetteri Fitzinger) in part of the catchment of the Motu River was assessed during two short surveys in 1981 and 1983. Specimens were found in most tributaries examined and on the banks of the main river, above extreme flood level. Crude indices of abundance were obtained by relating the numbers found to the time spent searching and number of stones and logs turned. Generally about four frogs were found per hour, but there was considerable variation in counts obtained in simultaneous searches by different observers.