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Coordinates: 39°16′0″S 174°6′0″E / 39.26667°S 174.10000°E / -39.26667; 174.10000
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{{Short description|National park in New Zealand}}{{use New Zealand English|date=August 2019}}
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{{use New Zealand English|date=August 2019}}
{{use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}{{Use New Zealand English|date=February 2024}}

{{use dmy dates|date=August 2019}}
<!-- The following few lines create the "Infobox" table template.
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{{Infobox Protected area
{{Infobox Protected area
| name = Egmont National Park
| name = Egmont National Park
| iucn_category = II
| iucn_category = II
| map = New Zealand |relief=1
| photo = Egmont National Park, December 2015, New Zealand (42).JPG
| map_caption = Map of [[New Zealand]]
| photo_caption = [[Mount Taranaki]]
| map_image = {{Infobox mapframe |id=Q1298247|point=none|stroke-color=#646464|stroke-width=1|shape-fill=#82e885|zoom=9}}
| map_caption = Interactive map of Egmont National Park
| location = [[Taranaki Region|Taranaki, New Zealand]]
| location = [[Taranaki Region|Taranaki, New Zealand]]
| nearest_city = [[New Plymouth, New Zealand]]
| nearest_city = [[New Plymouth, New Zealand]]
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| visitation_year =
| visitation_year =
| governing_body = [[New Zealand Department of Conservation|Department of Conservation]]}}
| governing_body = [[New Zealand Department of Conservation|Department of Conservation]]}}
<!-- End Infobox template table -->
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[[File:Mt Taranaki Drainage System.jpg|right|thumb|300px|NASA satellite picture of Mount Taranaki showing the nearly-circular Egmont National park surrounding it.]]


⚫
[[File:Mt Taranaki Drainage System.jpg|right|thumb|300px|NASA satellite picture of Mount Taranaki showing the nearly-circular Egmont National park surrounding it]]
'''Egmont National Park''' is located south of [[New Plymouth]], close to the west coast of the [[North Island]] of [[New Zealand]]. The park covers the slopes of [[Mount Taranaki]] and is surrounded on all sides by [[pasture]], giving it a distinctly circular shape.


The park was first created in 1881 as a forest reserve with a 6-mile (9.6-kilometre) radius around the cone of the dormant [[volcano]]. This went on to became New Zealand’s [[National parks of New Zealand|second national park]] in 1900.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/taranaki/places/egmont-national-park/nature-and-history/ | title=Nature and history: Egmont National Park | publisher = Department of Conservation (NZ) | date = 2020 |accessdate= 2020-06-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gns.cri.nz/content/download/6184/33922/file/VolcanoFactSheets%20Taranaki.pdf | title= Volcano Fact Sheet: Mount Taranaki / Egmont Volcano | publisher = GNS Science | date = 2010 |accessdate= 2012-01-10}}</ref>
'''Egmont National Park''' ({{Langx|mi|Te Papakura o Taranaki}}) is located south of [[New Plymouth]], close to the west coast of the [[North Island]] of [[New Zealand]]. The park covers three volcanic cones: [[Mount Taranaki]] and its slopes, [[Pouakai Range|Pouakai]] and [[Kaitake Range|Kaitake]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Egmont National Park |url=https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/taranaki/places/egmont-national-park/ |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=www.doc.govt.nz |language=en-nz}}</ref> The park was first created in 1881 as a forest reserve and went on to become New Zealand’s [[National parks of New Zealand|second national park]], preceded by [[Tongariro National Park]], in 1900.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/taranaki/places/egmont-national-park/nature-and-history/ | title=Nature and history: Egmont National Park | publisher = Department of Conservation (NZ) | date = 2020 |accessdate= 2020-06-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gns.cri.nz/content/download/6184/33922/file/VolcanoFactSheets%20Taranaki.pdf | title= Volcano Fact Sheet: Mount Taranaki / Egmont Volcano | publisher = GNS Science | date = 2010 |accessdate= 2012-01-10}}</ref>

The forest reserve was created within a 6-mile (9.6-kilometre) radius around the cone of the dormant Mount Taranaki [[volcano]]. Areas encompassing the older volcanic remnants of Pouakai and Kaitake were later added to the reserve at the northwest side. The forest is surrounded on all sides by [[pasture]], giving it a distinctly circular shape.

==Climate==
⚫
The park receives massive annual [[Precipitation (meteorology)|rainfall]]. Moist [[westerlies]] from the [[Tasman Sea]] form [[Orography#Orographic_precipitation|Orographic precipitation]] when they reach Mount Taranaki and the adjacent Pouakai and Kaitake ranges. Since the area has high annual rainfall and a mild coastal climate there is a lush [[rainforest]] covering the foothills, a forest that is nationally significant for the total absence of beech trees (genus ''[[Nothofagus]]'').


==Ecology==
==Ecology==
⚫
The park receives massive annual [[Precipitation (meteorology)|rainfall]]. Moist [[westerlies]] from the [[Tasman Sea]] form [[Orography#Orographic_precipitation|Orographic precipitation]] when they reach Mount Taranaki and the adjacent Pouakai and Kaitake ranges. Since the area has high annual rainfall and a mild coastal climate there is a lush [[rainforest]] covering the foothills, a forest which is nationally significant for the total absence of beech trees (genus ''[[Nothofagus]]'').


=== Flora ===
A rich [[Metrosideros robusta|northern rata]]/[[rimu]]/[[broadleaf forest]] is present, although the entire park [[ecosystem]] displays distinct patterns of [[altitudinal zonation]] - the former two large species of tree are common at lower elevations whereas [[kamahi]] tends to dominate the stunted high altitude forest. In these [[old growth]] forests the [[crown fern]] (''[[Blechnum discolor]]'') is a dominant understory plant species.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globaltwitcher.com/artspec_information.asp?thingid=95431 |title=Crown Fern: Blechnum discolor |author=C. Michael Hogan |date=2009 |accessdate=2012-01-10 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213134120/http://www.globaltwitcher.com/artspec_information.asp?thingid=95431 |archivedate=2012-02-13 }}</ref>
A rich [[Metrosideros robusta|northern rātā]]/[[rimu]]/[[broadleaf forest]] is present, although the entire park [[ecosystem]] displays distinct patterns of [[altitudinal zonation]] – the former two large species of tree are common at lower elevations whereas [[kāmahi]] tends to dominate the stunted high elevation forest. In these [[old growth]] forests the [[crown fern]] (''[[Blechnum discolor]]'') is a dominant understory plant species.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globaltwitcher.com/artspec_information.asp?thingid=95431 |title=Crown Fern: Blechnum discolor |author=C. Michael Hogan |date=2009 |accessdate=2012-01-10 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213134120/http://www.globaltwitcher.com/artspec_information.asp?thingid=95431 |archivedate=2012-02-13 }}</ref>

⚫
The character of the plant communities continues to change with increasing elevation, to [[subalpine]] and alpine [[shrubland]]s at high elevations, which are in stark contrast to the surrounding pasture farmlands. Notable among the geographical features of the park is its clear radial [[Drainage system (geomorphology)|drainage pattern]], which can be discerned in the satellite picture at right.

⚫
The [[Ahukawakawa Swamp]] is a rare high-elevation (920 m) sphagnum moss wetland located between Mount Taranaki and the [[Pouakai Range]]. It contains many endemic species adapted to acid soils and low temperatures.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ahukawakawa Swamp |url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/taranaki-region/4/3 |website=Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand}}</ref>


=== Fauna ===
⚫
The character of the plant communities continues to change with increasing altitude, to [[subalpine]] and alpine [[shrubland]]s at high elevations, which are in stark contrast to the surrounding pasture farmlands. Notable among the geographical features of the park is its clear radial [[Drainage system (geomorphology)|drainage pattern]], which can be discerned in the satellite picture at right.
The national park is integral habitat for many species of birds that rely on the large forest. Threatened bird species within the park include [[Blue duck|Blue duck (whio)]], [[North Island brown kiwi]] and [[fernbird]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Nature and conservation |url=https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/taranaki/places/egmont-national-park/nature-and-history/ |access-date=2024-01-05 |website=www.doc.govt.nz |language=en-nz}}</ref> Nearly half of New Zealand's indigenous fish species are found in the park, including threatened [[Giant kōkopu]], [[Shortjaw kōkopu]], [[Banded kōkopu]] and [[Climbing galaxias|kōaro]].<ref name=":0" />


Introduced [[feral goat]]s have historically degraded the forest understory. However, the park was declared free of feral goats in 2022, the first national park in New Zealand to be free of [[ungulate]]s, as it was already free of [[feral pig]]s and deer. Pest animals present include possums, rodents, hares, stoats, weasels and ferrets.<ref>{{cite news |title=Goats successfully eradicated at Taranaki national park |date=27 March 2022 |url= https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/464075/goats-successfully-eradicated-at-taranaki-national-park |newspaper=[[RNZ News]] |access-date=31 March 2022}}</ref>
⚫
The [[Ahukawakawa Swamp]] is a rare high-altitude (920m) sphagnum moss wetland located between Mount Taranaki and the [[Pouakai Range]]. It contains many endemic species adapted to acid soils and low temperatures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/taranaki-region/4/3|title=Ahukawakawa Swamp}}</ref>


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140805140756/http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/egmont/ Department of Conservation information on Egmont National Park]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20140805140756/http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/national-parks/egmont/ Department of Conservation information on Egmont National Park]


{{Egmont National Park}}
{{National Parks of New Zealand}}
{{National Parks of New Zealand}}


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[[Category:Protected areas of Taranaki]]
[[Category:Protected areas of Taranaki]]
[[Category:Protected areas established in 1900]]
[[Category:Protected areas established in 1900]]
[[Category:Egmont National Park]]

Latest revision as of 08:26, 8 November 2024

Egmont National Park
Mount Taranaki
Map
Interactive map of Egmont National Park
LocationTaranaki, New Zealand
Nearest cityNew Plymouth, New Zealand
Coordinates39°16′0″S 174°6′0″E / 39.26667°S 174.10000°E / -39.26667; 174.10000
Area341.7 km2 (131.9 sq mi)
Established1900
Governing bodyDepartment of Conservation
NASA satellite picture of Mount Taranaki showing the nearly-circular Egmont National park surrounding it

Egmont National Park (Māori: Te Papakura o Taranaki) is located south of New Plymouth, close to the west coast of the North Island of New Zealand. The park covers three volcanic cones: Mount Taranaki and its slopes, Pouakai and Kaitake.[1] The park was first created in 1881 as a forest reserve and went on to become New Zealand’s second national park, preceded by Tongariro National Park, in 1900.[2][3]

The forest reserve was created within a 6-mile (9.6-kilometre) radius around the cone of the dormant Mount Taranaki volcano. Areas encompassing the older volcanic remnants of Pouakai and Kaitake were later added to the reserve at the northwest side. The forest is surrounded on all sides by pasture, giving it a distinctly circular shape.

Climate

[edit]

The park receives massive annual rainfall. Moist westerlies from the Tasman Sea form Orographic precipitation when they reach Mount Taranaki and the adjacent Pouakai and Kaitake ranges. Since the area has high annual rainfall and a mild coastal climate there is a lush rainforest covering the foothills, a forest that is nationally significant for the total absence of beech trees (genus Nothofagus).

Ecology

[edit]

Flora

[edit]

A rich northern rātā/rimu/broadleaf forest is present, although the entire park ecosystem displays distinct patterns of altitudinal zonation – the former two large species of tree are common at lower elevations whereas kāmahi tends to dominate the stunted high elevation forest. In these old growth forests the crown fern (Blechnum discolor) is a dominant understory plant species.[4]

The character of the plant communities continues to change with increasing elevation, to subalpine and alpine shrublands at high elevations, which are in stark contrast to the surrounding pasture farmlands. Notable among the geographical features of the park is its clear radial drainage pattern, which can be discerned in the satellite picture at right.

The Ahukawakawa Swamp is a rare high-elevation (920 m) sphagnum moss wetland located between Mount Taranaki and the Pouakai Range. It contains many endemic species adapted to acid soils and low temperatures.[5]

Fauna

[edit]

The national park is integral habitat for many species of birds that rely on the large forest. Threatened bird species within the park include Blue duck (whio), North Island brown kiwi and fernbird.[6] Nearly half of New Zealand's indigenous fish species are found in the park, including threatened Giant kōkopu, Shortjaw kōkopu, Banded kōkopu and kōaro.[6]

Introduced feral goats have historically degraded the forest understory. However, the park was declared free of feral goats in 2022, the first national park in New Zealand to be free of ungulates, as it was already free of feral pigs and deer. Pest animals present include possums, rodents, hares, stoats, weasels and ferrets.[7]

[edit]
  • Entrance sign, Egmont NP, New Zealand
    Entrance sign, Egmont NP, New Zealand
  • Low on the trail to the summit of Mount Taranaki
    Low on the trail to the summit of Mount Taranaki

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Egmont National Park". www.doc.govt.nz. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  2. ^ "Nature and history: Egmont National Park". Department of Conservation (NZ). 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
  3. ^ "Volcano Fact Sheet: Mount Taranaki / Egmont Volcano" (PDF). GNS Science. 2010. Retrieved 10 January 2012.
  4. ^ C. Michael Hogan (2009). "Crown Fern: Blechnum discolor". Archived from the original on 13 February 2012. Retrieved 10 January 2012.
  5. ^ "Ahukawakawa Swamp". Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand.
  6. ^ a b "Nature and conservation". www.doc.govt.nz. Retrieved 5 January 2024.
  7. ^ "Goats successfully eradicated at Taranaki national park". RNZ News. 27 March 2022. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
[edit]

Media related to Egmont National Park at Wikimedia Commons

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