Biodiversity of New Zealand

Like Australia, New Zealand can be described as a biological ark. The reason for this is because the country is segregated from the rest of the world. Thus, many of the animal and plant species have evolved and adapted to New Zealand's unique climate and landscape. Unfortunately due to European influence, New Zealand's forestry has been destroyed and thus impacting upon the native flaura and fauna. Before European times, 80% of New Zealand’s land area was covered in forest. However,due to intensive farming and cultivation of the land, only about 23% of the land remains, most of which are national parks, forest parks and reserves.42.2% of New Zealand's 8,309,000 Ha of land is considered primary forest, this is considered the most form of forest. About 80% of New Zealand's flora is endemic, this includes 65 endemic genera. The two main types of forest are those dominated by podocarps and the giant kaori, and in cooler climates, the Southern Beech dominates. The Europeans introduced various pests to New Zealand including: possums, goats, pigs and deer. These animals trampled the forest (destroying small habitats for small animals and insects), eating new saplings and eating the leaves of growing trees. The introduced plants escaped into the forest and have become weeds. These plants smother trees, and carpet the floor to stop new native plants from growing. There are many groups such as ECO, Native Forest Action, and the Royal Forest and Bird Protection that hope to protect native fauna and flora.

Agriculture is another major problem in the reduction of biodiversity, in New Zealand. Many farms are located near wetland because of the constant supply of water and the nutrient rich soil. However, livestock such as cattle are destroying dense areas eg. disturbing wild life graze on/ trample wetland plains, eroding soil, carrying weed seeds in their hooves and the runoff of pesticides into the river source. Controlled fire is also destroying wetlands because many native vegetation grows in burn holes. Therefore animals will die because their food source can’t reproduce.

The “Environmental Waikato group,” provides information and assistance to landowners near wetland areas.
Environmental Waikato is working with owners of key ecological sites to form partnerships to protect wetlands including: fencing off native vegetation from stock, planting native trees along river edges or catchments, and protecting native forests.

Loss of habitat due to a land clearance for farmers, controlled fire, weeds (old man’s beard) and possums. Mice and rats compete with native species for food by eating seeds and insects. All these introduced species are unfortunately on the New Zealand mainland. Human colonization has resulted in the extinction of more than 50 species. Several hundred of the remaining species are expected to be lost in the next 50 years. The Department of Conservation administers 30% of New Zealand’s land area in a series of protected areas, reserves and national parks. The Department also manages native species under the Wildlife Act 1953. Some of the endangered species include: the Moa, Tui, Weta, Blkack Robin etc. What is being done: Scientists and researchers are trying to educate people, saving habitats by trying to get rid of weeds. Plant native trees, build tracks and fences, put up signs to protect ecosystems, getting rid of pests (Old Man’s beard, possums) and making your garden native friendly to encourage native species that have lost their habitat. The threatened species trust helps many endangered animals including the kiwi bird, the kakapo, the takahe, native frogs etc by seeking and managing corporate sponsorship and acts as a forum for discussion on this and conservation issues. Some of New Zealand’s threatened animals include the: Northern Tuatara, the three kings skink, the gold- striped gecko etc.

The Tiritiri Matange island, located 30km east of Auckland, is by far one of the most important and exciting conservation projects. The island is 220 hectares, and was stripped of 94% of it’s native bushland. Between 1984 and 1994, volunteers have planted 250,000- 300,000 trees and now the land is 60% forested. The remaining 40% is grassland and is used for the takahe. All mammalian predators have been eradicated and a number of threatened species and endangered birds have been introduced.

What can individuals do? Greenpeace encourages individuals to lobby deforestation, don’t purchase wood products unless it’s stewardship council certified or eco timber, reduce paper use and avoid buying ancient forest products, grow native plants in your backyard, remove pests, also make a donation to green peace who is trying to ensure that the government increases its effort t stop illegal logging.