Aotearoa New Zealand is home to some of the most distinctive wildlife on Earth. Our native species are deeply woven into our culture, identity and sense of place as Kiwis, with many species found nowhere else in the world.
But since human arrival, our native species have faced increasing pressure. Habitat loss, introduced predators, pollution and climate change have driven a steady decline in wildlife. Across land, freshwater and ocean ecosystems, the scale of the challenge is stark.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, 94% of our reptile species, 82% of bird species, 80% of bat species, 76% of freshwater fish species, 22% of marine mammal species and 46% of vascular plant species are either facing extinction or are at risk of being threatened with extinction (Stats NZ, 2023).
WWF has an ambitious goal: to reduce human-induced extinction risk for 400 threatened species and ecosystems, with zero future extinctions. From national advocacy to local action, we’re working to ensure New Zealand’s wildlife can thrive now and into the future.
© Jake Osborne
Forests, mountains and unique wildlife
Despite its small size, New Zealand supports an incredible diversity of land-based ecosystems.
Native forests once covered most of the country. According to the Ministry for Primary Industries, native forests today occupy only around 30% of Aotearoa. Yet, they remain vital strongholds for biodiversity and powerful carbon sinks that help combat climate change.
Ancient species like rimu, kauri and the tuatara trace their origins back to before the age of dinosaurs. Many of our birds evolved without mammalian predators, resulting in iconic flightless species such as kiwi, kākāpō and weka. Our forests are also home to remarkable endemic invertebrates, including wētā, katipō spiders, and the kauri snail (pūpūrangi).
High in the alpine zones, tussock grasslands, scree slopes and snowfields support species adapted to life in the cold, such as kea, rock wren, and awakōpaka skinks. In volcanic and geothermal landscapes, particularly across the central North Island, specialised plants like thermal tangle fern and prostrate kānuka thrive in extreme conditions.
Our only native land mammals are bats (pekapeka). However, introduced mammals are creating some big problems for our native species. Invasive species like stoats, possums and rats have devastated our native bird and plant life. Land-use change, urbanisation and logging have also reduced and fragmented habitats. Climate change now adds a growing threat, especially for species with narrow ecological ranges.
© Angus McIntosh
Rivers, lakes and wetlands that sustain life
Aotearoa New Zealand’s wetlands, peatlands, rivers, streams and lakes are some of our most unique and valuable ecosystems. Together, these habitats support an incredible diversity of native plants and animals, while also playing a vital role in our environment by filtering and storing water, reducing flooding, and locking away significant amounts of carbon.
Wetlands and peatlands were once widespread across Aotearoa, but we have lost an estimated 90% of our wetlands since human settlement, with much of this converted to grazing land (Stats NZ, 2024). What remains is therefore incredibly valuable, providing essential habitat and refuge for many species found nowhere else in the world.
Our freshwater environments are home to a remarkable range of native species, including tuna (longfin eel), giant kōkopu, mudfish, kōura (freshwater crayfish), kākahi (freshwater mussels), torrentfish, flathead galaxias, and bullies. They also provide essential habitat for birds including whio (blue duck), matuku (Australasian bittern), kōtuku (white heron), pūteketeke (Australasian crested grebe), mātātā (fernbird), tētē (brown teal) and kakī (black stilt).
These ecosystems face growing threats from farming, development, pollution, water extraction, invasive species and climate change, which can damage habitats and put native species at risk. However, by restoring wetlands, protecting peatlands, improving water quality and reconnecting waterways, we can help these ecosystems recover.
© Amanda Cotton
Coastlines, marine ecosystems and deep-sea
New Zealand has one of the largest ocean territories in the world, 15 times larger than our landmass, and this vast and varied marine environment makes Aotearoa a global hotspot for biodiversity. Beneath the surface lies a whole range of habitats, such deep canyons, rocky reefs, kelp forests, and seagrass meadows. Our waters are home to approximately 80% of our native species. From tiny sea creatures and colourful sponges to large marine mammals, an extraordinary variety of life fills our coastal waters and deep ocean, many found nowhere else on earth.
According to the Department of Conservation, nearly 300 fish species and 6000 known species of invertebrates are endemic, including 80% of our coral species. Around half of the world’s whale and dolphin species have been recorded in New Zealand waters, including orca, sperm whales, humpback whales, southern right whales, dusky dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and the tiny Hector’s and Māui dolphins.
Aotearoa is also the seabird capital of the world. From remote islands to windswept coastlines, species such as hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin), kororā (little blue penguin), tawaki (Fiordland crested penguin), toroa (Antipodean albatross), Salvin’s albatross, tītī (sooty shearwater), and tāiko (black petrel) depend on the ocean for food and survival. More than a third of the seabirds that breed here are endemic.
But our ocean is under growing pressure. Climate change, pollution, overfishing, and invasive species are driving declines across marine ecosystems. Today, 22% of marine mammals, 90% of seabirds and 82% of shorebirds are threatened with, or at risk of, extinction (Stats NZ, 2021). But protecting our marine ecosystems, reducing pollution and fishing impacts, and restoring coastal habitats can help give marine life the space it needs to recover.
Learn more
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Take action for the planet
To stop extinctions and restore nature, we also need to produce and consume more sustainably. Here are some everyday things you can do to reduce your footprint on the planet.
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Facts about endangered species
Check out our series of fascinating facts about some of our rare and endangered species, the threats they face and actions being taken to protect them.
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Test your wildlife knowledge
Wildlife quizzes are fun ways to test what you know about animals, habitats, and nature. Put your knowledge to the test with our fun wildlife quizzes!
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Education Resources
Explore our collection of educational resources and discover more about our unique wildlife. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or simply curious about our natural world, there’s something to explore.
