More than 120 hectares of forested karst landscape in South Island's Abel Tasman National park is being purchased by Nature Heritage Fund, which will save a rare snail breed.
Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner announced today the Nature Heritage Fund was investing $235,000 in the 124ha land known as 'Lindsay's Block' that bordered Abel Tasman National Park on two sides.
"This area is located 10km southeast of Takaka, and is one of the few intact examples of original forest on karst landscape remaining in the district. The block contains rimu, miro, matai and Hall's totara. Striking marble karst outcrops and marble cliffs are a key feature of the landscape.
Lindsay's Block had "significant biodiversity value, with diverse vegetation, abundant birds and significant invertebrate populations", she said.
"Particularly interesting is the at risk shrub, melicytus obovatus, and the amber snail, Powelliphanta hochstetteri, which is endemic to the Nelson/Marlborough region," she said.
