Comparing vegetative effects of domestic stock and feral goats as ungulate herbivores in Waingaro: Year 1 results

Abstract

Fencing remnant native vegetation has become a widespread activity throughout New Zealand to increase native biodiversity. However, there have not been many studies to show if this is an effective approach when feral goats (Capra hircus) are present. The present study investigated the short-term effects on dominant trees and shrubs of fencing on a private property in Waingaro, New Zealand. Two permanent plots were analyzed, one in a fenced covenanted area with feral goats present and one in an unfenced area with cows, sheep, and feral goats present. Both plots were dominated by a canopy of kanuka (Kunzea ericoides), a midstory of silver tree fern (Cyathea dealbata) and an understory of divaricating coprosma's (Coprosma rhamnoides and Coprosma spathulata).