Endangered Species
Definition: A plant or animal species existing in such small numbers that it is in danger of becoming extinct,
especially such a species placed in jeopardy as a result of human activity.
Endangered Species of New Zealand
New Zealand has 2,788 species endangered with extinction. A further 3,031 of New Zealand's species are believed to be endangered, but cannot be classified as such because not enough is known about them. If the long and short term trends continue, all that stands between us and witnessing mass extinction, is time.
The Natural Heritage Collection (Find out more on this website)
Birds of NZ: New Zealand has lost more bird species than any other nation. Of the those remaining we now have a higher percentage at risk than any other nation. The South Island saddleback and yellow-eyed penguin are now very rare. Kapapo numbers have recently increased from 50 in 1995 to 126 by 2012. The South Island kokako was listed as extinct in 2007. Takahe number about 200. Whio are recovering, as are the black robin that were reduced to one breeding pair. The black stilt have increased in number from 23 in 1981 to 55 by 2005. The storm petrel was first seen in 2003, and where they breed is still unknown.
* Okarito Brown Kiwi
* White Heron
* Chatham Island Pigeon, Parea
* Takahe
* Taiko
* Black Stilt
* Greater short-tailed bat
* Lesser short-tailed bat
* Long-tailed bat
Some endangered lizard species:
* Tuatara
* Auckland green gecko
* Pacific gecko
* Spotted skink
Some endangered insect species:
* Weta
* Stick insect
* Four spined weevil
* Blue cod
* Marble fish
* Scorpion fish
How can we protect our endangered species?
WWF NZ (World Wildlife Fund NZ)
DOC (Department of Conservation)
Wildlife Sanctuaries (e.g. Tiritiri Matangi Island)
There are a number of ways that we can protect our endangered species. Click on the links to find our more.