AN APPRAISAL OF MONITORING STUDIES IN SOUTH ISLAND TUSSOCK GRASSLANDS, NEW-ZEALAND

The success of studies of change in South Island tussock grasslands can be assessed indirectly by the form in which their results are presented-scientific paper, institutional bulletin, popular publication, conference proceedings, unpublished report, or not at all. Studies often fall short of their potential to increase understanding of the effects of natural processes or management: the results of many simply never reach either the authority that commissioned them or the public in general. The application of some general principles to the definition of objectives and choice of methods could considerably enhance the success of such studies.