Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan 2. Climate and Elevation Moderately dry, warm-temperate to maritime climate. Many places frost-free. Limited cold air drainage and ponding. Moderate to low rainfall: 1200-1500 mm. Summer drought common. Moderate to low elevation: 0-775 m altitude range; mean altitude 200 m. High maritime influence. Salt spray a major coastal influence. Generally, exposed and windy, although some sheltered bays. 3. Water Summer low flows and a few streams ephemeral in summer. Some water quality degradation arising from surrounding uses (forestry and subdivision). B. The Biological Environment [Part of Sounds Ecological District] Total area of Bulwer ecosystem is 15,234 ha of which; 22% is in native forest, 35% is in shrubland (both native and exotic), 9% is in pasture and non-woody indigenous vegetation, and 4% is in plantation forestry. (Note: Percentages based on interpretation of 1990 satellite images.) 1. Predominant Indigenous Vegetation Detailed in Table 5 Originally all forested except for rock and gravel shore fringe communities, bluffs, exposed, rocky or dry headlands, and estuaries at inlet heads. Small amount of remaining forest largely confined to upper slopes or south-facing aspects. Indigenous vegetation lost over most of the coastal and lower altitude zones, especially north and west-facing aspects. Kohekohe and mixed broadleaf forests which were once dominant, are now greatly diminished. 2. Communities and Habitats Island communities (especially Maud Island) distinctive, rare and nationally important due to predator-free status. Vital habitat to endangered biota. Communities on Tennyson Inlet islands are possum-free; some very distinct, especially coastal herbfields which support nationally threatened species - nationally important. Moderately high natural biodiversity due to island contributions and warm temperature nature of ecosystem providing for northern species. App Two - 30