Presentation 3Rd May 2006 By Network Vice President, Peter De Lange
Presentation by Network Vice President, Peter De Lange:“There are more threatened (plant) species than ever before!”
Venue: Unitec School of Natural Sciences, Mt Albert, Auckland
Wednesday 3 May, 2006
7.30 pm Members slides/talks
8.00 pm: Speaker: Peter de Lange
Abstract: At least that is what the Herald said in their Monday morning, Labour Weekend 2003 newspaper. But is it true, and if so why? Over the last 15 years Peter de Lange has worked as one of two threatened plant scientists in the New Zealand Department of Conservation. During that time he has researched issues of insular rarity, devised an alternative threat classification system, and helped prepare the one now used by the Department of Conservation. What is the basis of this classification? How does it depart from the one used by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN)? The importance of modern biosystematics as a tool toward better conservation management is also explored, using Crassula hunua, Cook’s scurvy grass/nau (Lepidium oleraceum), Poor Knights spleenwort (Asplenium pauperequitum) and many others as examples. Come and hear how research is assisting in threatened plant management, and, more importantly, find out what you can do to help? This talk will cover aspects of New Zealand Threatened Plant classification systems, research issues and management, and case study some recent successes on the Chatham Islands.
Posted: 20/04/2006