Understorey (less than 3m)

The lower branches of the taupata bush have been stripped of leaves as far up as a rabbit can reach. In this case, close-up inspection confirmed rabbit damage: stems bitten off at a characteristic oblique angle and rabbit droppings around the base of the shrubs. The ngaio bush at right is clearly not a preferred rabbit food as its lower foliage is untouched. Location: Burdan's Gate, Eastbourne, Wellington.

Photograph: by Shona McCahon