The intensification of dairy farming is contributing to an on-going loss of wetlands in Taranaki.
A Landcare Research study has found that between 2007 and 2012, 25 wetlands covering 42 hectares have been lost.
This compares with a loss of 60 wetlands covering 121 hectares between 2001 and 2007.
Commissioned by the Taranaki Regional Council, the study found the loss of wetlands was being driven by pastoral improvements and farm intensification.
There are now just over 3000 hectares of wetlands in the region, 8.1 percent of the pre-European levels.
Between 2001 and 2012, 4.8 percent of wetlands have been lost across Taranaki.
The council said the findings would inform the review of its Regional Fresh Water Plan for Taranaki.
