Numerous avifauna species face extinction on New Zealand's two
main islands, owing largely to forest clearance and to
introduced mammals. In response, New Zealand selects certain
offshore islands for the relocation of threatened native birds,
first purging them of mammalian predators. Over the past few
decades, this procedure has evolved to become fairly successful.
Protected habitat "islands" within mainland forested areas are
also being created, but with success less certain. As historic
habitats are lost, small biopreservation islands may become a
standard mechanism for protecting threatened species, a process
that can be termed the "miniaturization" of nature. Keywords:
avifauna, endangered species, introduced wildlife, New Zealand,
protected natural areas. Dr. PRYDE is a professor of geography
at San Diego State University. Dr. COCKLIN is a professor
geography and environmental science at Monash University,
Australia. To contact the lead author: Dr. Philip R. Pryde
Department of Geography San Diego State