The present situation
Previous perceptions of a wrecked biota without hope of recovery have been proved wrong. In the last decade we have exploited many administrative and technical advances enabling the following shifts in perception:
- A change from fragmented conservation administrations to a single department with a single conservation focus.
- An advance from eradication of selected pests on islands to removal of all introduced mammals including rodents.
- A change in capacity from taking threatened species away from problems to solving the problems on site.
- A shift from uncontrolled declines of fauna to expansion into parts of their former range.
- A broadening of approach from management at locations away from the public to public participation, including management arrangements with Maori.
- A movement from restoration of islands to restoration of mainland ecosystems.
On a global scale these are seen as remarkable achievements. They should be tempered with some notes of reality.
- Islands only provide restoration options for lowland systems; New Zealand islands have few alpine areas, estuaries, lakes and rivers. Restoration of the latter systems can only be undertaken on the mainland.
- Restoration of many systems on the mainland can only include species capable of withstanding moderate levels of predation. Some giant insects, tuatara, many lizards, and several birds will remain confined to islands until introduced predators can be permanently excluded from selected areas on the mainland at a sustainable cost.
- Restoration is a long term commitment. Some island systems are recovering from centuries of modification; their restoration may take many decades to reach completion.
- Long term restoration projects must be supported by vision, clear goals, excellent planning and a commitment to succeed.