Abstract
Consideration is given to the formulation of management policies for conifer plantations, commensurate with wildlife conservation. The application of the equilibrium theory of island biogeography for the design of retained areas of native forest within a plantation is discussed. It is concluded that for optimizing wildlife conservation plantation management should be directed towards the establishment of pine stands with interconnecting areas of retained native forest throughout and alongside the plantation. Such plantation complexes would need to be managed on a compartmentalized basis if wildlife conservation and softwood forestry are to be reconciled.