Conservation Opportunities on a Highly Modified Island: Mana Island, Wellington, New Zealand

Mana Island (217 ha) provides opportunities for conservation despite over 150 years of farming. It is free from all introduced mammals except mice. It supports native coastal communities representative of the region and already has nationally threatened plants and animals. To take best advantage of these opportunities, it is suggested that: the present native plants, animals and communities are protected; part of the island is revegetated; selected species of threatened native plants and animals are introduced; and the island and its natural and human history are used for education, interpretation and recreational enjoyment. Attention is drawn to some unanswered questions and potential conflicts associated with these management proposals.