Beech forest seeding events - or masts - are known to drive explosions in pest numbers, adding extra pressure on New Zealand's native species. Photo / Brad WindustBeech forest seeding events - or masts - are known to drive explosions in pest numbers, adding extra pressure on New Zealand's native species. The warning comes just two years after the largest beech mast in half a century prompted the Department of Conservation (DoC) to launch its biggest-ever pest control operation. "Although this past January and February weren't especially warm, March was unusually hot in some places, which increased the overall summer temperature." Scientists have suggested that climate change may be playing an increasing part in beech mast events, which produce extremely heavy flowering and seeding.

Source: New Zealand Herald May 18, 2021 01:18 UTC