LiDAR reveals drainage risks to wetlands have been under-estimated
Drainage is a recognised cause of wetland loss worldwide, and New Zealand is no exception. In the last 200 years drainage has reduced the natural extent of wetlands in New Zealand by c. 90%. Avoiding further loss is a national priority. Despite recent reform to restrict new drains within 100 m of existing wetlands in New Zealand, little is known about the extent and effect of existing drains in and near wetlands.