Distribution and conservation requirements of Notoreas sp., an unnamed Geometrid moth on the Taranaki coast, North Island, New Zealand

Abstract

Concern over a decline in habitat of an unnamed, endemic species of Notoreas (Geometridae) moth from the Taranaki coast stimulated this study on its distribution and conservation requirements. The caterpillars mine leaves of Pimelea (cf.) urvilleana, a prostrate shrub that can be found among other pioneer plants on coastal cliffs. Forty‐seven patches of habitat were located along 50 km of coastal cliffs adjacent to farmland. Patches were clumped in distribution, and ¾ of the patches were “small”, containing fewer than 15 host plants. Moths were detected in half the patches. Occupied patches were usually large (>25 plants), or if small, were usually within 200 m of another occupied patch. Recommendations for habitat management include weed control and reduction in damage from humans and stock. Ongoing advocacy with land owners and the community is important. © 2002 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.