Large-tree growth and mortality rates in forests of the central North Island, New Zealand
Large trees are a significant structural component of old-growth forests and are important as habitat for epiphytic biodiversity; as substantial stores of biomass, carbon and nutrient; as seed trees; and as engineers of large gap sites for regeneration. Their low density across the landscape is an impediment to accurately measuring growth and mortality, especially as infrequent tree deaths are rarely captured without long periods of monitoring.