Story: Alpine plants

Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) were introduced to the central Southern Alps in the 1900s for game hunting. They have thrived in the alpine environment and are a major pest of subalpine and alpine ecosystems. They feed on native tussock grasses and herbs, and trample vegetation. Many ecologists have called for the eradication of tahr from New Zealand’s national parks and reserves, but this action has been opposed by recreational hunters.