Appendix Two 2. Communities and Habitats Remaining alluvial, estuarine, and freshwater communities uncommon, distinctive, vulnerable and regionally significant. Although relatively small in extent, they contribute significantly to the biodiversity of the ecosystem. Some tracts of upland forest are vital habitats for nationally threatened species. Distinctive stunted, windshorn forests on exposed ridges and summits. Tennyson Inlet and Nydia Bay support some of the largest tracts of lowland and coastal forests in Marlborough; largely intact altitudinal sequences of primary forest from ridgetops to seafloor - nationally important. Biotic patterns largely intact at higher altitudes and partially so in lower altitude and coastal areas. Alluvial patterns very incomplete - difficult to interpret. Natural process functioning and dynamics generally healthy except for alluvial areas and estuarine margins. Ongoing wild animal and weed threats. Natural biodiversity moderate; enhanced by coastal, non-forest and alluvial communities. Overall natural productivity moderate. Low productivity at high altitudes. High estuarine and alluvial productivity. Low gradient stream stretches which are close to the sea provide good habitat for threatened fish. Moderate to high native fish diversity. 3. Plants Ramarama; scarlet rata vine; supplejack; pukatea; kiekie; Collospermum hastatum; gully treefern (Cyathea cunninghamii) (r); hangehange. (r)=rare in the Marlborough Sounds, or nationally threatened. 4. Animals Powel liphanta ‘obscura’ (r); koaro, banded kokopu; spotted shag. (r)=rare in the Marlborough Sounds, or nationally threatened. C. Priorities and Potential for Restoration Terrestrial Values High level of intactness in higher altitude areas and around Tennyson Inlet, Mt Stanley and Nydia to Fairy Bays. Lowland and coastal communities elsewhere a priority for restoration - areas of secondary forest and regenerating shrublands provide excellent potential for this. Restoration of alluvial forest, coastal wetlands, and estuary fringes a high priority. Maintaining absence of major predators on Tennyson Inlet islands. Freshwater Values Priority to restore riparian areas for habitat and water quality in lower gradient stretches. App Two - 47