Hopkins and Huxley valley deer study area
The Hopkins and Huxley valley study area is in Ruataniwha Conservation Park, which is west of Lake Ohau in the South Island.
The study area comprises the forests in two valleys. The Hopkins Valley section extends from about Red Hut to Erceg Hut. The Huxley Valley section begins at the confluence with the Hopkins River and runs back to the heads of North and South Branch. The forest is mainly mountain beech, with some silver beech.
A large number of beech seedlings were individually tagged and measured so we can monitor their growth. The biomass of foliage in the understorey has also been measured and will be re-measured at the end of the experiment.
Small light gaps were created to mimic natural treefalls. Half of the gaps were fenced to exclude deer. A matching number of patches with a full canopy have also been fenced. This experiment will let us compare seedling growth when deer are controlled and more light is available, with growth in undisturbed stands.
Learn more
Deer farming notice
Find out where deer can be farmed and what regulations apply to deer farms and safari parks.
Contacts
Clare Veltman
Animal pest ecologist
Research, Development and Improvement
Telephone +64 6 353 4803
Email Deer Forest Study Project manager