Under The Microscope

ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION OF NEW ZEALAND ISLANDS, ed by Towns, Daugherty & Atkinson; Department of Conservation 1990; 320 pages; $35 (plus $2 P&P plus GST)

On first glance this is a rather weighty tome, hefty and bristling with references. Hardly surprising in that it's a collection of papers presented at a conference last year.

What is surprising is its readability, not to mention the dedication and delight in our land and its ecology that shines through the academic works. These people are fighting a battle against history, indifference, low funding and time, but they seem pretty cheerful about it and keen to do more.

The range of topics covered is broad, from the philosophy behind island restoration efforts to the problems of getting the last feral cat in your traps.

The island restoration work here is described as "the most imaginative and cost-effective conservation program in the world". It's been going on for a hundred years, ever since Richard Henry turned Restoration Island into one of the first bird refuges in the 1880s. That project may have failed but, judging from the enthusiasm and commitment of his scientific descendants, Henry's work goes on.

One last thought, from an overseas participant: "I can't help noticing that New Zealand puts images of birds and plants on its money, rather than pictures of politicians, soldiers and government buildings. New Zealand has its values right and acts on them. That's why New Zealand is number one in the world in conservation." Everyone needs a pat on the back now and then and this volume shows it's well deserved.

Cathryn Crane