An Ecoregion Classification of the South Island, New Zealand

Ecoregion classifications have been widely used, particularly in North America by freshwater biologists, as a tool for assessing environmental management techniques and conservation measures. We propose an ecoregion classification for the South Island of New Zealand and Stewart Island based on six macro-environmental variables: vegetative cover, bedrock geology, soils, relief, rainfall normals, and Meteorological Service Climatic Regions. South Island maps (1:1 000 000 and 1:2 000 000 scale) of these variables were digitized into a geographic information system (GIS), linework was merged, and composite ecoregion maps generated. Twelve ecoregions are proposed. Each ecoregion is distinguished by a suite of “typical” macro-environmental characteristics. Some ecoregions can be divided into subregions on the basis of variations from these typical characteristics, primarily vegetative cover, and climatic conditions if this is desired for management purposes.