Kauri now classed as threatened

WELLINGTON: The mighty kauri has been officially reclassified as a threatened species for the first time.

Pohutukawa, manuka, and rata have also been classed as threatened as a precaution, because of the spread of myrtle rust.

The Department of Conservation’s latest assessment of native flora evaluated the status of 2785 known species of native plants.

Doc director of terrestrial ecosystems Matt Barnett said the spread of kauri dieback disease led to the reclassification of kauri, one of the world’s largest and longestliving tree species.

He said more plant species were now under threat from diseases, possums, rabbits and other animals, and changes in land use.

Mr Barnett said 113 more plants were now classed as threatened, since the last conservation assessment in 2012, bringing the total number of plants in the category to 402.

‘‘Threats like kauri dieback, browse by possums, goats, rabbits and other animals, and changes in land use, particularly in the east ern South Island, have caused the observed decline of 61 plant species, which are now in a worse state than five years ago.

‘‘For the first time, kauri has been classed as threatened due to the unabated spread of kauri dieback.’’

Mr Barnett said there was a marked decrease in rare plant species — such as sedge and cress — in the drylands of the Mackenzie and Waitaki basins, largely because of changes in land use and the effects of rabbits and other pests. — RNZ