Colin Meurk

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Papers by Colin Meurk

Recombinant ecology of urban areas: Characterisation, context and creativity

Ecosystem services mapping in practice: A Pasteur’s quadrant perspective

Ecosystem services, Dec 1, 2019

Compared to non-spatial calculation of service values which is not intuitive, ecosystem services ... more Compared to non-spatial calculation of service values which is not intuitive, ecosystem services (ESs) mapping are more appealing to practitioners. However, applying these representations into ecological practice is still a challenge. Such research essentially embraces fundamental and applied characteristics, which have been exemplified by "Pasteur's Quadrant" of use-inspired basic research. Based on this instructive quadrant model, we propose an analytical framework (Problem-Research-Practice) to review 76 SCI ESs mapping articles that purport to be relevant to ecological practice. Two questions led our investigation: (1) do these studies emulate (intentionally or otherwise) Pasteur's Quadrant by establishing a clear pathway between research and practice (e.g. particular problems, issues or needs in the real world)? (2) what challenges-cum-opportunities for ESs mapping do we observe that may overcome resistance to practical purposes? Overall, substantial gaps exist in the research capacity to produce transformative and/or readily-usable knowledge; existing efforts to map ESs generally belie the conventions of practice systems. Given that ecological practice engages with real world problems at varying scales of human activity, we suggest some possible ways forward, such as developing participatory mapping techniques and alternative indicators directly targeting human needs that may accelerate uptake of ESs mapping outcomes by practitioners.

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Predicted contributions of a plume moth and a gall wasp to biological control of hawkweeds in New Zealand

Conservation Objectives in Pastoralism

Proceedings of the New Zealand Grassland Association, 1987

1. New Zealand, because of its geographic isolation, harbours unique biological qualities. 2. Hum... more 1. New Zealand, because of its geographic isolation, harbours unique biological qualities. 2. Human occupation inevitably disrupted this natural order. 3. Gradual degradation of these natural qualities can easily go unnoticed and unchecked. 4. The bulk of our nature reserves are on land unsuited to agriculture, whereas the significance and vulnerability of our total natural heritage requires a reserve network representing all land classes. 5. To ensure protection of vital natural areas they must be of viable proportions and segregated from incompatible uses. 6. There are practical and spiritual reasons for nature conservation which offer beneficial options for land use. 7. A wide range of conservation measures is available to the landowner.

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Multifunctioning Urban Waterfront: Inspirations from the Ecological Wisdom of Working with Reservoir Flooding in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region

EcoWISE, 2019

This chapter argues for a new ecological-economic vision for flood management through examination... more This chapter argues for a new ecological-economic vision for flood management through examination of human–reservoir interactions in the Three Gorges Reservoir region, highlighting local ecological wisdom derived from observing, knowing and working with, rather than against natural forces. To make these lessons actionable for contemporary urban waterfront landscaping projects, especially those exposed to natural or manipulated flood, the practical and theoretical inspirations are summarised in terms of landscape structure, components and maintenance that echo with landscape design in the real world. We then provide a design scenario for the lakeshore landscaping of Kaizhou, new city of Chongqing Municipality that demonstrates the wisdom-inspired “doing” process. Based on this full cycle of case study–theory–application, we conclude ecological wisdom is the art of achieving balance between human and nature, grounded on accumulated knowledge of local, traditional and scientific understanding, and being able to adjust according to the changing circumstances.

What is happening to the natural landscape of Aotearoa?

Proceedings of the New Zealand Grassland Association, 1990

Aotearoa is g restless land with an eventful though isolated history which has spawned many disti... more Aotearoa is g restless land with an eventful though isolated history which has spawned many distinctive biological qualities. Human occupation decreased our isolation and increased rates of change. Consequently, our potential natural and cultural identity is in danger of being swamped by cosmopolitan, temperate elements. This has serious consequences for agriculture, tourism, our sensitivity to local and global environmental issues, and the development of a nationhood founded on sturdy roots that dig deeply into the texture and history of the land. We examine the values of natural landscape, concepts of land custodianship, a conservation ethic and practical ways of integrating protection of natural values and sustainable production.

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A rapid assessment technique for evaluating biodiversity to support accreditation of residential properties

Landscape and Urban Planning

Landscape theory to applied landscape design in a New Zealand context

New Zealand Ecological Society Conference 2012, Nov 1, 2012

Landscape theory to applied design in a New Zealand context: An adaptive biodiversity enhancement strategy for developed landscapes

New Zealand Ecological Society Annual Conference, Dec 9, 2019

Biodiversity responses to the Christchurch earthquakes and their aftermath

ERA2016: The Joint Conference of the Society for Ecological Restoration Australasia and the New Zealand Ecological Society, Aug 10, 2020

Extending New Zealand’s natural history foundations with NatureWatch NZ

New Zealand Ecological Society Annual Conference 2012, Aug 10, 2020

A taxonomically detailed and large-scale view of the factors affecting the distribution and abundance of tree species planted in private gardens of Christchurch city, New Zealand

PeerJ, 2021

A city’s planted trees, the great majority of which are in private gardens, play a fundamental ro... more A city’s planted trees, the great majority of which are in private gardens, play a fundamental role in shaping a city’s wild ecology, ecosystem functioning, and ecosystem services. However, studying tree diversity across a city’s many thousands of separate private gardens is logistically challenging. After the disastrous 2010–2011 earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand, over 7,000 homes were abandoned and a botanical survey of these gardens was contracted by the Government’s Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) prior to buildings being demolished. This unprecedented access to private gardens across the 443.9 hectares ‘Residential Red Zone’ area of eastern Christchurch is a unique opportunity to explore the composition of trees in private gardens across a large area of a New Zealand city. We analysed these survey data to describe the effects of housing age, socio-economics, human population density, and general soil quality, on tree abundance, species richness, and the p...

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Incorporating local ecological knowledge into urban riparian restoration in a mountainous region of Southwest China

Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 2016

Abstract Modern cities use straightened and concrete watercourses with simple greening for ripari... more Abstract Modern cities use straightened and concrete watercourses with simple greening for riparian zones, which has been criticised for insensitivity to natural system integrity and cultural identity. This increases the challenge to urban ecologists, landscape designers and managers to conceive innovative and effective design solutions that do not jeopardise hydraulic efficiency yet are culturally acceptable to local communities. This paper introduces the field of local ecological knowledge (LEK) as rich sources of inspiration and design solutions to meet this challenge. LEK refers to knowledge and practices of various local cultures about the relationship of living beings (including humans) with their environments. Wepropose a pragmatic framework that integrates LEK with modern landscape design. It includes steps: (1) investigate existing practices, skills andmeasures relating to LEK; (2) explore how and whereLEKcan inspire or integrate withdesign. Here we propose three aspects for integration in accordance with the nature of landscaping process: overall structure, component and maintenance.(3)evaluate and test the integration in terms of its acceptability by local communities. Taking the riparian revegetation project of Hanfeng Lake Urban Wetland Park (Chongqing Municipality) as an example, we illustrate the utility of this framework. 11 local common practices relating to LEK were identified. According to thethree aspects for integration, alternative design solutions were offered. The survey showed that LEK based designwas more highly valued than other conventional ways in terms of useracceptance. We conclude that LEK provides actionable ecologically sound and culturally desirablesolutions for urbanlandscape. We also recognise that LEK evolveswith changing environments and new harmonious and dynamic human-nature relationships arecontinually re-forming. The process of acquisition and application of LEK could encourage multidisciplinary and synthetic approaches to urban ecosystems. Such adaptability and interdisciplinary engagementare crucial totoday’schanging and complexurban environments.

Effects of local and landscape factors on exotic vegetation in the riparian zone of a regulated river: Implications for reservoir conservation

Landscape and Urban Planning, 2017

h i g h l i g h t s • Partitioning methods provided insights into reservoir exotic species distri... more h i g h l i g h t s • Partitioning methods provided insights into reservoir exotic species distribution. • Reservoir flooding has a high independent effect on exotic species richness. • Exotic invasion was significantly associated with landscape variables. • A landscape approach to conservation of regulated riparian ecosystems is needed.

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Vegetation History and Dynamics in New Zealand: Future Scenarios and Improved Trajectories Towards Restoring Natural Patterns

Geobotany Studies, 2016

New Zealand is a micro-continent that has been more isolated from mainstream (especially Northern... more New Zealand is a micro-continent that has been more isolated from mainstream (especially Northern Hemisphere) evolution than any other large, ice-free land mass. This has created a land of unusual and often unique ecology, notably lacking land mammals. Native Gondwanan elements, and others considered ancestral to major world lineages, imply some continuity back to Gondwana itself. Together, both old and new arrivals make up a largely endemic biota. These have been decimated both ecologically and socio-culturally (extinction of experience) by large numbers of recent continental imports. We examine opportunities for recovery of some of the lost integrity of natural patterns, at a range of scales, albeit in the absence of an alarmingly high number of extinct and critically endangered, keystone species. Apart from the essential pest-control programmes being carried out assiduously by Government and NGOs, our research has focused on design of landscape factors that can facilitate regeneration, recovery, and connectivity (ecologically and socio-culturally). Earlier landscape-optimising models are being combined with reserve-design theory (island-biogeography concepts) and spatial configurations based on empirical dispersal data, refined by considering the patch condition and proximity requirements of contrasting wildlife guilds. We present some preliminary data. Like the rest of the world, New Zealand is at an ecological crossroads regarding the extent to which it will retain its endemic biota and landscape legibility. We can take action even in the absence of perfect knowledge to apply the most promising strategies and restoration techniques available—or we can wait and watch the decline.

The drawdown zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir: A high risk corridor for species invasion in China?

Acta Ecologica Sinica, 2016

Abstract The giant Three Gorges Dam and associated reservoir impose an unprecedented threat to re... more Abstract The giant Three Gorges Dam and associated reservoir impose an unprecedented threat to regional biodiversity and ecosystem services through reducing and fragmenting habitats. We argue that an emerging ecological challenge goes beyond habitat shrinkage and direct loss of indigenous species. The most complex and vulnerable drawdown zone caused by reservoir operation may function as a conduit facilitating alien species invasion laterally and longitudinally along the Yangtze River Basin. This may further exacerbate China's biodiversity crisis. Better regional ecosystem management requires a landscape connectivity understanding of drawdown zone structure and functions, including its connections with adjacent ecosystems and its effects on biodiversity and biosecurity. Meanwhile, some critical management actions are discussed in this article.

Invasion of the Subantarctic Auckland Islands, New Zealand, by the Asterad Tree Olearia lyallii and its Interaction with a Resident Myrtaceous Tree Metrosideros umbellata

Journal of Biogeography, 1991

Natural and semi-natural plant invasions are central topics in biogeography and management of res... more Natural and semi-natural plant invasions are central topics in biogeography and management of reserves. They also provide evidence on general ecological processes related to community structure and stability. This study ex- amines an invasion by Olearia lyallii in the subantarctic Auckland Islands, south of New Zealand. There are two principal forest-forming tree species on the Auckland Islands: Metrosideros umbellata (rata), which has occupied the islands for at least 9000 years, and Olearia lyallii (Olearia), which probably established early in the nineteenth century. Olearia is spreading in the Port Ross area and it has been suggested should be controlled because it may threaten the rata forest. The structure, composition, dynamics and establishment of these forests were studied in an attempt to predict the long-term effects of Olearia on these islands and to resolve the management dilemma. Results show that ecologically the two species are clearly segregated. Rata dominates and regenerates in sheltered places on dense peats with relatively high concentrations of magnesium and calcium. Olearia, in contrast, encroaches on coastal tall-tussock grassland, megaherbfield, shrubland and dwarf mixed-forest communities, growing on peat soils with high total soluble salts, Na, P and K concentrations derived from the marine aerosol and perhaps ions accumu-

A natural environment and cultural asset management system for New Zealand’s state highway network: towards a practical concept and application

Internationally there is an increasing expectation for roadways to have a minimal environmental f... more Internationally there is an increasing expectation for roadways to have a minimal environmental footprint, to express local environmental and cultural context, and to protect or respect natural, historical and landscape assets n in addition to being efficient and safe. New Zealand depends on the integrity of its clean green brand and the highways are the shop window of the nation and critical to the impression gained by overseas tourists and traders, but also to residents. Legibility of heritage is a sign of identity, protectiveness and cultural maturity. Key elements that should be revealed are geo-morphology, indigenous biota, Maori and colonial culture. This can be achieved through conservation, restoration and interpretation. Engagement with communities, iwi [indigenous peoples], engineers and ecologists is crucial, and culture change has to be championed at the highest level. Leadership must reinforce the latent interest in asserting an Aotearoa New Zealand identity. Aspirational milestones for lnaturalisingr the highways should be set. Planting guidelines are appropriate to conventional requirements while contributing to these goals. Despite start-up costs, the system will become cheaper to run while the heritage assets will increase in value and become largely self-sustaining. The natural environment and cultural asset management process is designed to address these national and local priorities.

MANAGEMENT OF NEW ZEALAND'S NATURAL ESTATE- An Introduction

S 127 PROTECTED NATURAL AREA DESIGN AND LOCATION IN NEW ZEALAND Colin Ogle Department of Conserva... more S 127 PROTECTED NATURAL AREA DESIGN AND LOCATION IN NEW ZEALAND Colin Ogle Department of Conservation, Wanganui. Have principles of reserve design been successfully applied to improve the system of New Zealand's mainland reserves, and how useful will they be in the future? Examples are given from the past work of New Zealand Forest Service reserves committees, the Protected Areas Scientific Advisory Committee, and other agencies. How valid and useful are the concepts of Ecological Regions and Districts to the Protected Natural Areas Programme? Is this programme merely improving our biological data bases or has it made significant improvements to the New Zealand reserve system? FARMLAND, BUSH REMNANTS AND RESERVE DESIGN FOR THE NORTH ISLAND BROWN KIWI: IS THERE A CONNECTION? RESERVE ESTABLISHMENT AND MANAGEMENT ON BRAIDED RIVERS: THE ASHLEY RIVER

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Biodiversity of the urban environment: The importance of indigenous species and the role urban en... more

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