Fauna of New Zealand 49 Lithinini (Insecta : Lepidoptera : Geometridae :
Ennominae). Jason D. Weintraub,
Malcolm Scoble. 2004. Lithinini are one of the most
widespread tribes of ennomine looper moths, being represented on every continent
except Antarctica. These small, narrow-bodied moths are one of the few groups of
herbivorous insects for whom ferns are a primary food source. New Zealand’s
lithinine moth fauna is wholly endemic and for a relatively small country,
surprisingly diverse, having three genera comprising eight species. In fact it’s
not so surprising, because New Zealand’s forests provide an optimal environment
for these moths, which exploit ferns as their primary food source, and are well
adapted to life in temperate rainforest with high pteridophyte diversity and
biomass. Adult lithinine moths visit flowers of various plants such as native
Myrtaceae and cultivated Loganiaceae to feed on nectar, while the females
deposit eggs on or near the ferns on which the larvae feed. The larvae of
Lithinini exhibit a characteristic defense mechanism when disturbed, dropping or
jumping off the host plant and twisting rapidly if the disturbance continues.
Lithinini use a wide range of plants as host plants, from the low-growing
members of the forest herb layer to broad-leaved ferns and the towering tree
ferns. In this Fauna the New Zealand Lithinini are reviewed with a general
discussion of morphology and natural history. A key is provided to the eight
species, and comprehensive distribution data are provided for all taxa. Host
plant association data and information on immature stages are reviewed for all
New Zealand genera and summarised. 48 pp. paperback. ISBN 0478093578. $24.50
Fauna of New Zealand 50 Heteroptera (Insecta : Hemiptera) : Catalogue.
Marie-Claude Larivière and André Larochelle. 2004. There may be around 37
000 described species of Heteroptera or true bugs worldwide, and possibly
another 25 000 species remaining to be described. The New Zealand fauna,
currently comprising 29 families, 136 genera, and 305 species, may be relatively
small compared with larger regions, but New Zealand is a biodiversity “hot spot”
for true bugs, as 82% of its known species do not occur anywhere else in the
world. The New Zealand fauna of Heteroptera is mostly terrestrial, with about 20
species belonging to aquatic and semi aquatic families. It is relatively easy to
recognise true bugs on the basis of three main characteristics, but they may be
more difficult to identify at a species level. In addition, information on New
Zealand true bugs accumulated over the last 150 years is not easily accessible,
and until now no up-to-date catalogue has been published since 1977. With this
new catalogue the authors aim to provide specialist as well as non-specialist
readers with a detailed overview of all available knowledge on the taxonomy,
distribution, biology, and dispersal of New Zealand Heteroptera. The format of
the catalogue has been developed with the interests of systematists and other
biologists in mind to allow easy informational retrieval, comparison between
genera and species, and synthesis of data. 330 pp. paperback. ISBN 0478093586.
$89.00
Fauna of New Zealand 52 Raphignathoidea (Acari: Prostigmata). Qing-Hai Fan and Zhi-Qiang Zhang. 2005. Raphignathoid mites. Mites of the superfamily Raphignathoidea are biological control agents of spider mites, eriophyid mites, and scale insects in agriculture and forestry. The majority of the species are free-living predators, but a few are phytophages, feeding on moss, and symbionts or parasites of insects. The superfamily can be dated back at least 56 million years. It belongs to the supraorder Acariformes, order Prostigmata, and comprises about 770 species, and 57 genera in eleven families. They are worldwide in distribution, abundant in most of the geographical regions, and are even found in the Antarctic region. In this contribution the mite superfamily Raphignathoidea is comprehensively revised. Keys to world families and genera are provided. The taxonomy, biology, and ecology of world Raphignathoidea are briefly reviewed so the 76 species, including 21 new species, now recognised from New Zealand can be placed in context. The species belong to 20 genera (including 1 new genus) and 5 families. Known stages (of specimens available) are diagnosed, keyed, described, and illustrated with line drawings, and notes are provided on the taxonomic references, habitats, and distribution of each species. 400 pp. illustrated. ISBN 0478093713. $89.00
Fauna of New Zealand 53 Harpalini (Insecta: Coleoptera: Carabidae: Harpalinae). A Larochelle & M-C Larivière. 2005. Harpaline ground beetles. The tribe Harpalini belongs to the subfamily Harpalinae which contains over 19 000 taxa worldwide, distributed in all biogeographic regions. Compared with larger or warmer regions of the world, the New Zealand fauna is relatively small, but NZ is a biodiversity ‘hot-spot’, with 42 out of 57 recorded species and 11 out of 20 recorded genera found nowhere else in the world. Harpaline ground beetles are potentially useful as bioindicators and biocontrol agents, and make an attractive study group for biologists investigating evolutionary and ecological hypotheses. They are taxonomically diverse, generally abundant in the field,and demonstrate ecological preferences and a flexible set of responses to environmental factors. In addition their populations may be reliably sampled with relative ease. Over 50% of native species are known from 10 populations or fewer. All but one of these very special species are new to science and all are of potential conservation concern. 160 pp. some color photos. ISBN 0478093691. $55.00
Fauna of New Zealand 54 Hierodoris (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea: Oecophoridae). Robert J.B. Hoare. 2005. New Zealand has a diverse and interesting fauna of Oecophoridae, containing well over 200 species. The evolution of such a relatively large number of oecophorid species in New Zealand is probably due to the abundance of leaf-litter and dead wood in its ancient evergreen forests. Most NZ Oecophoridae have not been studied in detail since the 1920s, and only two new species have been scientifically described in the last 50 years. However, many other unnamed species are known in collections, and eight of these are described in this book. The genus Hierodoris probably belongs to an ancient lineage, and only occurs in NZ. The 18 species are very varied in size and colouration, and some are very attractive, with metallic shining scales on their wings. This Fauna gives an overview of NZ Oecophoridae and defines a new genus-group, the ‘Hierodoris group’. The systematic placement of this group is discussed. The endemic NZ genus Hierodioris Meyrick is revised and fully redescribed, and all species are fully described and the adults illustrated in colour. The larvae and pupae are described for the species in which they are known. Information is given on biology, distribution, and conservation status, with five species considered potentially threatened at the national level. ISBN 0478093780. 102 pp. paperback. illustrated in B&W and color figures. $40.00
Fauna of New Zealand 55 Criconematina (Nematoda: Tylenchida). Criconematina nematodes. W. M. Wouts. 2006. Criconematina are nematodes, or unsegmented roundworms, belonging to the group Tylenchida. Tylenchids are plant parasitic nematodes with a hardened mouth piece which they use to puncture plant cells, and many tylenchids cause damage to agricultural crops. This is especially true in monocultures where their population numbers can build up to high levels when favoured crops are replanted in quick succession. Criconematina are microscopic and transparent nematodes, generally feeding on tree roots. Their damage is restricted to commercial orchards planted with infested plant material or replanted in infested soil. In their native habitat they generally cause no damage. There are 68 species of criconematids known to be present in New Zealand, and 47 of these are endemic. This fauna covers all 68 species, 16 of which are new to science, and includes detailed descriptions for the female of each species, including morphometrics and illustrations, supplemented by SEM micrographs of morphological details. Details of males and juveniles are given if available. A diagnosis is presented to distinguish each species from other New Zealand species. Locations and plant species associations of each species are indicated and the significance of each species as a taxonomic unit is commented upon. Lists of nematode species present at various localities and associated with individual plant species are given in appendices, and keys to all taxa covered are provided. 232 pp. B&W figures. ISBN 0478093810. $65.00
The Brushtail Possum: Biology, Impact and Management of an Introduced Marsupial
Edited by T L Montague
The Brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula is arguably the most intensively studied wild animal in New Zealand today. After many years of research, the latest information on possums is now available in a uniquely comprehensive, fully indexed volume. The Brushtail Possum - biology, impact and management of an introduced marsupial is a valuable resource that draws together accumulated knowledge on an introduced species which once promised New Zealand a fur trade, but now costs a fortune to manage.
Brushtail possums were introduced from Australia in the 1850s to establish an animal fur industry, and now number an estimated 60 - 70 million in New Zealand. The damage they cause is both environmental and financial: they prey on eggs and chicks of native birds and on native insects, damage native forests and spread bovine Tb, posing an immense threat to dairy and beef industries.
The 41 authors of The Brushtail Possum provide an expert overview, in the form of 25 stand-alone chapters, of past and present possum research. They identify crucial areas where further research is needed and the future options for managing brushtail possums in New Zealand. The difficulties and complexities of managing this invasive species are enormous, but this new book represents a significant step.
The information within this book will be useful to anyone interested in brushtail possums, from those directly involved in managing the species such as pest management agencies, land managers, farmers, regional and municipal councils, DOC and MAF, to those with an academic or general interest in wildlife. Published with the support of the New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC).
2000, Colour & B&W photos, pp 292 220x160mm, hardback, $59.95 ISBN 0-478-09336-5
Introduced Wildlife in New Zealand: A Survey of General Public Views
Landcare Research Science Series No. 23
By Wayne Fraser
When is a pest not a pest? What do New Zealanders really think about issues relating to introduced wildlife? For the first time, a scientific survey has been undertaken which uncovers public attitudes to the range of different introduced mammal species, many of which are now common throughout New Zealand. Despite the diversity of views expressed, some very clear trends emerged. For example, most of the larger species are valued for a variety of reasons including aesthetic, recreational, and commercial.
Why should these views matter? New Zealand is unique in that its flora and fauna evolved in the absence of mammalian herbivores and predators. One of the consequences of this is that the introduction of a large number of mammal species has had dramatic impacts on our natural environment, posing a serious challenge to those responsible for its conservation. Recent changes in New Zealand’s environmental legislation reflect the need for public consultation in areas such as national and regional pest management strategies and the application of pesticides.
This accessible report reveals a clear picture of public attitudes towards introduced wildlife and its management in the mid-1990s. Landcare Research scientist Wayne Fraser argues that continued research in this area is an essential investment for those who need both to fulfil their statutory obligations and to take public sentiments into account. This benchmark study provides a useful baseline for further research and will be of great interest to many people, particularly planners, policy makers, wildlife managers, and those involved in environmental education.
2001, 45pp, 297x210mm, softback, $19.95 ISBN 0-478-09343-8
Insect Pests & Diseases of Harakeke. S Scheele. 1998. This book describes insects and diseases commonly associated with harakeke. Control methods for the most harmful are discussed including natural control measures, insecticide sprays, and home remedies. Harakeke or New Zealand Flax (Phormium spp.) is home to a myriad of insects which live amongst the leaves, roots and flowers. In the right conditions, their feeding can inflict considerable damage on the plant and allow the introduction of disease-bearing organisms. This not only affects the ornamental appearance of harakeke, but lessens the quality and quantity of leaf material and fibre available to weavers. A practical booklet, for people growing flax for fun or profit. 27pp, 210x148mm, softback, ISBN 0-478-09316-0. $15.00
International Collection of Micro-organisms from Plants Catalogue. JM Young & MJ Fletcher. Third Edition of the Catalogue of the International Collection of Micro-organisms from Plants. The Collection is the repository for micro-organisms of plant and soil origin of the New Zealand Reference Culture Collection (NZRCC). The Collection also contains cultures of the world's bacterial and fungal plant pathogens and of other micro-organisms associated with plants. This new edition, divided into two parts, includes 5850 accessions of bacteria and 4200 of fungi, as well as an index of plant host - micro-organisms ans a numerical index. Strains are listed alphabetically, first by binomial of the micro-organism, and then by the name of the host or substrate from which it was isolated. For each host or substrate, strains are listed numerically. 1997, 271pp. 297x210mm, softback, ISBN 0-478-09311-X. $30.00- 3 copies left!
The Fauna series has been widely acclaimed for its role in presenting New Zealand's unique invertebrate fauna to the world. Each volume contains a checklist of the taxa, an introduction to the group, descriptions of the taxa, illustrations - line and half-tone.
1 Terebrantia
(Insecta: Thysanoptera). L A Mound & A K Walker, 1982. 113pp, $29.95. ISBN
0-477-06687-9.
2 Osoriinae (Insecta: Coleoptera: Staphylinidae). H P McColl, 1982. 89pp, $18.60. ISBN 0-477-06688-7.
3 Anthribidae (Insecta: Coleoptera). B A Holloway, 1982 . 264pp, $41.00. ISBN 0-477-06703-4.
4 Eriophyoidea except Eriophyinae (Arachnida: Acari). D C M Manson, 1984. 142pp, $29.95. ISBN 0-477-06745-X.
5 Eriophyinae (Arachnida: Acari: Eriophyoidea). D C M Manson, 1984. 123pp, $29.95. ISBN 0-477-06746-8.
6 Hydraenidae (Insecta: Coleoptera). R G Ordish, 1984. 56pp, $18.60. ISBN 0-477-06747-6.
7 Cryptostigmata (Arachnida: Acari). M Luxton, 1985. 106pp, $29.9. ISBN 0-477-06762-X.
8 Calliphoridae (Insecta: Diptera). J P Dear, 1985. 86pp, $18.60. ISBN 0-477-06764-6.
9 Protura (Insecta). S L Tuxen, 1985. 50pp, $18.60. ISBN 0-477-06765-4.
10 Tubulifera (Insecta: Thysanoptera). L A Mound & A K Walker, 1986. 140pp, $34.65. ISBN 0-477-06784-0.
11 Pseudococcidae (Insecta: Hemiptera). J M Cox, 1987. 228pp, $49.95. ISBN 0-477-06791-0.
12 Pompilidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera). A C Harris, 1987. 154pp, $39.95. ISBN 0-477-02501-3.
13 Encyrtidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera). J S Noyes, 1988. 188pp, $44.95. ISBN 0-477-02517-X.
14 Lepidoptera: Annotated Catalogue. J S Dugdale, 1988. 262pp, $49.95. ISBN 0-477-02518-8.
15 Ambostrinae (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Diapriidae). I D Naumann, 1988. 165pp, $39.95. ISBN 0-477-02535-8.
16 Nepticulidae (Insecta: Lepidoptera). H Donner & C Wilkinson, 1989. 88pp, $22.95. ISBN 0-477-02538-2.
17 Mymaridae (Insecta: Hymenoptera). introduction and review of genera. J S Noyes & E W Valentine, 1989. 95pp, $24.95. ISBN 0-477-02542-0.
18 Chalcidoidea (Insecta: Hymenoptera). introduction and review of smaller families. J S Noyes & E W Valentine, 1989. 91pp, $24.95. ISBN 0-477-02545-5.
19 Mantodea (Insecta) with a review of aspects of functional morphology and biology. G W Ramsay, 1990. 96pp, $24.95. ISBN 0-477-02581-1.
20 Bibionidae (Insecta: Diptera). R A Harrison, 1990. 25pp, $14.95. ISBN 0-477-02595-1.
21 Margarodidae (Insecta: Hemiptera). C F Morales, 1991. 123pp, $34.95. ISBN 0-477-02606-0.
22 Notonemouridae (Insecta: Plecoptera). I D McLellan, 1991. 62pp, $24.95. ISBN 0-477-02607-9.
23 Sciapodinae, Medeterinae (Insecta: Diptera). with a generic review of the Dolichopodidae. D J Bickel, 1991. 73pp, $27.45. ISBN 0-477-02627-3.
24 Therevidae (Insecta: Diptera). L Lyneborg, 1992. 140pp, $34.95. ISBN 0-477-2632-X.
25 Cercopidae (Insecta: Homoptera). K G A Hamilton & C F Morales 1992. 37pp, $17.95. ISBN 0-477-02636-2.
26 Tenebrionidae (Insecta: Coleoptera). catalogue of types and keys to taxa. J C Watt, 1992. 70pp, $27.95. ISBN 0-477-02639-7.
27 Antarctoperlinae (Insecta: Plecoptera). I D McLellan, 1993. 70pp, $27.95. ISBN 0-477-01644-8.
28 Larvae of Curculionoidea (Insecta: Coleoptera). a systematic overview. B M May, 1993. 226pp, $55.00. ISBN 0-477-04505-0.
29 Cryptorhynchinae (Insecta: Coleoptere: Curculionidea). C Lyal, 1993. 307pp, $65.00. ISBN 0-478-04518-2.
30 Hepialidae (Insecta: Lepodoptera). J S Dugdale, 1994. 164pp, $42.50. ISBN 0-478-04524-7.
31 Terrestrial Talitridae (Crustacea: Amphipoda). K W Duncan, 1994. 128pp, $36.00. ISBN 0-478-04533-6.
32 Sphecidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera). A C Harris, 1994. 112pp, $33.50. ISBN 0-478-04534-4.
33 Moranilini (Insecta: Hymenoptera). J A Berry, 1995. 82pp, $29.95. ISBN 0-478-04538-7.
34 Anthicidae (Insecta: Coleoptera). F G Werner & D S Chandler. 64pp, $26.50, 1995. ISBN 0-478-04547-6.
35 Cydnidae, Acanthosomatidae, and Pentatomidae (Insecta: Heteroptera). systematics, geographical distribution, and bioecology. M-C Larivière, 1995. 112p, $42.50. ISBN 0-478-09301-2.
36 Leptophlebiidae (Insecta: Ephemeroptera). D R Towns & William L Peters, 1996. revises the mayflies (Ephemeroptera) of New Zealand in the Leptophlebiidae family. A new family diagnosis is provded. Short descriptions are provided for genera and species previously revised by the authors, and full descriptions are given for 14 species, including 8 new species, and 2 new genera. The fauna now comprises 30 species in 12 genera. 143pp, $39.50. ISBN 0-478-09303-9.
37 Coleoptera: family-group review and keys to identification. J Klimaszewski & J C Watt, 1997 198pp, $49.50 ISBN 0-478-09312-8
38. Naturalized terrestrial Stylommatophora (Mollusca: Gastropoda.). Gary Barker. 1999. 253 pp. illustrated with B&W photos, line figures. ISBN 0-478-09322-5. $72.50
39 Molytini (Insecta: Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae) R C Craw, 1999. 68pp, ISBN 0-478-09325-X. $29.50
40 Cixiida (Insecta: Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha). M-C Larivière, 1999. 93pp, ISBN 0-478-09334-9. $37.50
41 Coccidae (Insecta: Hemiptera: Coccoidea). 2000. Chris Hodgson and Rosa Henderson. There are excellent colour photographs of live insects as well as SEM photographs. ISBN 0-478-09335-7, 23 Feb 2000, 264 pp., $72.50
42 Aphodiinae (Insecta: Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Z T Stebnicka. 2001. 64pp, ISBN 0-478-09341-1. $29.50 (more information...)
43 Carabidae (Insecta: Coleoptera). A Larochelle & M-C Larivière. 2001. 285pp. ISBN 0-478-09342-X. $72.50 (more information...)
Fauna of New Zealand 42 - Aphodiinae (Insecta: Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). By Teresa Stebnicka. 2001. Covers the Aphodiinae or dung beetles of New Zealand. The subfamily is comprehensively revised for the first time and their relationships are discussed. Twenty species of Aphodiinae are now known from New Zealand. Eleven of these have been introduced, probably through human commerce -- six are from Australia, two from America, one from Africa, and the last two are cosmopolitan species of European derivation. Contributor Teresa Stebnicka was born in Poland and was awarded a Dr. Sc. Degree at the Polish Academy of Sciences in Cracow. She is employed at the Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals of the Polish Academy of Sciences, where she researches various groups of beetles, in particular the Aphodiinae of the world. She is the author of over 80 original papers and books on aphodiines and many other groups of Coleoptera. 64pp, $29.50, ISBN 0-478-09341-1
Fauna of New Zealand 43 - Carabidae (Insecta: Coleoptera).
By André Larochelle & Marie-Claude Larivière. 2001. This new Fauna isssue catalogues the species-group names of all New Zealand
Carabidae (including Cicindelini) with distribution records and information
on ecology, biology, and dispersal power. In New Zealand, conservation biologists have already listed many, often large-sized
carabid species, as rare or threatened and worthy of protection. As a result,
ground beetles are among the best represented insect groups in New Zealand entomological
museums and collections. But despite such high interest, no catalogue or checklist
has been produced since 1934, although numerous name changes and new species
have been published since then. Contributor André Larochelle is a research scientist, and is honorary
curator to the New Zealand Arthropod Collection, Auckland. He was born and educated
in Québec where he taught ecology, co-edited two entomological journals,
and was honorary curator to the Lyman Entomological Museum and Research Laboratory.
He is the author of over 400 papers on North American insects, mostly carabids,
and his current main research interest is the faunistics and taxonomy of New
Zealand ground beetles. Contributor Marie-Claude Larivière is a biosystematist with Landcare
Research, having been Research Leader of the Biosystematics of New Zealand Land
Invertebrates programme until 1997. Born and educated in Québec, she
graduated with a Ph.D. in systematic entomology from McGill University in 1990.
Marie-Claude has authored over 65 papers and monographs, including two Fauna
of New Zealand contributions, on the biosystematics of various bug families,
and has also published on Orthoptera and contributed to publications on Carabidae
(Coleoptera). 285pp, $72.50, ISBN 0-478-09342-X
Fauna of New Zealand 44 Lycosidae (Arachnida: Araneae) . by C Vink, 2002. The family Lycosidae has more than 2200 known Wolf spider species that are found worldwide, especially in open habitats. Wolf spiders are easily recognised by the carrying of the spherical egg sac behind the adult female and the subsequent transport of the young on her abdomen. Most are well camouflaged in their surroundings and are often seen hunting during the daytime. They do not build a web for prey capture, except for some ancestral species not found in New Zealand. Wolf spiders are amongst the most numerous invertebrate predators in many environments, especially in open habitats, and are viewed as beneficial predators. Twenty-seven species of wolf spider are found in New Zealand. Two of these have been introduced, probably naturally – one is found throughout Australia and one is found throughout the South Pacific. The remaining twenty-five species are endemic to New Zealand. The endemic species in the genera Allotrochosina and Artoria have related species in Australia. Anoteropsis and Notocosa are believed to be genera endemic to New Zealand, with their most closely related genera in Australia. Like most lycosid species, New Zealand wolf spiders are habitat specific and are found in mountain screes, riverbeds, beaches, tussock grasslands, forest, swamps and marshes. The most commonly seen species is Anoteropsis hilaris, which is found in grasslands throughout New Zealand including human modified habitats such as gardens and pasture. This species is thought to be a beneficial predator of insect pests and has been investigated as a possible indicator of insecticide contamination. 94pp, ISBN 0-478-09347-0. $37.50
Fauna of New Zealand No 45: Nemonychidae, Belidae, Brentidae (Insecta:
Coleoptera: Curculionoidea), by G. Kuschel, ISBN 0-478-09348-9, 100pp,
$40.00
Fauna of New Zealand No 46: Nesameletidae (Insecta: Ephemeroptera), by
T.R. Hitchings & A.H. Staniczek, ISBN 0-478-09349-7, 72pp, $32.50
Fauna of New Zealand No 47: Erotylidae (Insecta: Coleoptera: Cucujoidea):
phylogeny and review, by Richard A. B. Leschen, ISBN 0-478-09350-0, 108 pp,
$42.50
Fauna of New Zealand 48: Scaphidiinae (Insecta : Coleoptera : Staphylinidae).
The Weta Book. M J Meads. 1990. Designed to aid the novice, student, or amateur to identify wetas in the field. Includes keys for quick identification, descriptions, and ecology and distribution information. An excellent learning aid for students, as the principles of identification and using keys are applicable in many other biological sciences. B&W drawings, 36pp, 211x145mm, softback, $12.50. ISBN 0-477-02585-4
Forgotten
Fauna. M J Meads. 1990. New Zealand boasts some of the most unusual invertebrates
in the world, among them: •a weta twice the size of a mouse •a stag beetle with
jaws for fighting •a cannibal fly with solar-panelled wings •a giant moth
recorded only in a painting This attractive book gives vivid descriptions of a fascinating
range of New Zealand's unusual, rare, and endangered native invertebrates. Many of the
animals are of considerable international scientific and conservation interest. Colour
photos, 95pp, softback, $19.95 ISBN 0-477-02590-0
An Illustrated Guide to some New Zealand Insect FamiliesInsect families in New Zealand are vast and varied. Consequently it can be confusing for those wishing to become better acquainted with the “bug world.” This book is a practical guide for anyone who wishes to learn more about insects in New Zealand. Its excellent line drawings and non-technical language allow the reader to easily identify and learn about many of the insects they see around them.
Each of the 137 insects included in this guide is classified according to its scientific order, family, genus, species and common name. The format of the guide, with illustrations on the right hand pages and accompanying text on the left, makes it an ideal field guide for students or experts.
By writing this book, Elizabeth Grant has opened another door for New Zealanders who want to understand what makes our country distinctive. John Dugdale, Entomologist, Nelson.
1999, B&W illustrations, 196pp, 210mmx150mm, spiral bound, $32.50 ISBN 0-478-09326-8
Public Attitudes to Rabbit Calicivirus in New Zealand. Landcare Research Science Series No. 20. Roger Wilkinson and Gerard Fitzgerald. 1999. A report detailing a national study of public perceptions and attitudes to rabbit calicivirus (RCD) --now called rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD). The study, undertaken in 1996, is based on seven focus groups consisting of members of the public and selected interest groups throughout New Zealand, followed by a national random survey of 600 people. Half the survey respondents had also been interviewed in 1994, which allowed any changes in their views to be observed. Aspects covered in the report include perceptions of the rabbit problem, acceptability of control methods, attitudes to and perceptions of control technologies and RCD, and respondents' positions on the possible introduction of RCD to New Zealand. A comparison of responses to the earlier study in 1994 with those in 1996 is also made. This report will be useful to policy makers, council staff, farmers and farm interest groups, researchers, and anyone involved in the public debate around rabbits and their control. It will also be of use to those with an interest in the biological control of other animal pest species, both here and in Australia. 1998, 56pp, 297x210mm, softback, ISBN 0-478-09320-9. $20.00
New Zealand Soil Classification systemNew Zealand Soil Classification. Landcare Research Science Series No. 1, 2nd Ed. A E Hewitt.1998. This book provides a new synthesis for the large body of information collected since the 1950's. It represents the best attempt, given the state of knowledge at the time, to classify and provide a comprehensive overview of New Zealand soils. Features of the book include a key to orders, subgroups and groups; an indepth discussion on the diverse types of soil orders; and an appendix listing the meanings of each classification code. The second edition contains updates and corrections, plus eleven new soil subgroups.133pp, 210x148mm, softback, ISBN 0-478-09317-9. $35.00
Soil Description Handbook - Revised Edition. J D G Milne, B Clayden, P L Singleton, & A D Wilson. The Soil Description Handbook provides standardised methods and defined terminology for the description of soil and site features in New Zealand. The scheme is a comprehensive description system, that can also be used for recording a more limited range of soil and site data. This revised edition includes minor amendments and additions, based mainly on recommendations by New Zealand pedologists involved in soil description or in teaching. New tables, figures, and flow diagrams are included, and the horizon notation system for New Zealand soils has been added as an appendix. The handbook has been specifically designed for the storage of soil information in computer databases. To this end, reference code sheets and soil description cards are included in a pocket in the back of the book. 1995, Some B&W drawings, 157pp, 210x148mm, softback, ISBN 0-478-04549-2. $35.50
Soils and Land-use Issues in the Mackenzie Hill Country. Landcare
Research Science Series No. 19. By P D McIntosh and G G Hunter. 1998. This new
report describes the soils and soil distribution in the Mackenzie hill country, as well as
addressing the issues of nutrient deficiencies, the sustainable use of pastoral land, and
the potential for forestry in the area. Thirty-nine soils are identified and grouped into
land systems. Soil landscape models for land below 1500 m altitude show which soils are
found on particular landscape areas. Fifteen new soil “Factsheets” are provided
in the back of the book. The factsheets give an easy-to-read overview of the key
characteristics of each soil, and feature colour photos of a soil profile and typical
landscape. Included are descriptions of the soil, extensive information on the soil
chemical and physical properties, and valuable details of land use. 1998, 50pp with 15
color Soil Fact sheets, 297x210mm, softback, ISBN 0-478-09315-2. $30.00
Taylor, R. 1997. The state of New
Zealand's environment. Written and published
by the Ministry for the Environment. This is the first comprehensive overview
of the current state of New Zealand's environment. It examines what has been
done to the environment, and what is being done now. The book has three main
parts. The first provides a context for understanding the interaction between
New Zealand society and the natural environment. The second describes the state
of the New Zealand natural environment, taking a close look at five main aspects:
atmosphere, air quality, land, water, and biodiversity. The concluding chapter
offers the report's main findings. "The report gathers for the first time
in one place data examining water and air quality, biodiversity and land-use.
It comments on management of waste, energy, climate change, ozone depletion
and pests. It also deals with transport and fisheries issues, and highlights
the need for more standardised and wider-ranging data to better manage environmental
issues. Its purpose was to inform New Zealanders about the state of their environment,
and identify areas requiring improvement," - 650pp., softback, $69.95.
ISBN 0-478-09000-5- 2 copies left!
Opal
Phytoliths of New Zealand. R Kondo, C Childs, & I Atkinson. 1994.
Opal phytoliths are particles of opal (amorphous hydrated silica) that develop
in the tissues of plants. These particles take on a fascinating variety of
shapes depending on the type of plant in which they form. When plants decay,
opal phytoliths accumulate in the soil and provide a record of the plants that
once grew there. They have proven and potential value in a wide range of
research in paleoecology and archaeology, but prior to this work have received
little attention in New Zealand. In some countries, they are also finding use as
raw materials for modern industrial products. This guide provides many
microscopic photographs to aid identification. 80pp, hardback, $40.00. ISBN
0-478-04522-0.