A B S T R A C T This research assessed the effects of forest edges on microclimates, plants (vascular and non-vascular) and animals (forest floor and canopy invertebrates) in a south Westland lowland rainforest. Microclimate effects were apparent at north-and south-facing edges, but did not extend beyond c. 20 m into the forest. In contrast, vegetation responses to edges were apparent up to 70 m into the forest for some variables (e.g. tree ferns and bryophytes). The responses of canopy

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... rates appear similar to those of the vegetation, although the effect on predator abundance extended into the forest for at least 100 m. The extent of edge effects documented here is broadly comparable to that observed in other studies, both in New Zealand and elsewhere. Edge effects extending 50-100 m into the forest are likely to be a significant issue for small forest remnants.