Common gecko

New Zealand animals are unique. Animal life on these islands was originally made up of a variety of birds, reptiles and insects, with the only mammals being bats. Native animals play an important part in keeping the native bush healthy, including an important role in pollinating flowers and distributing seeds. Yet many of these animals are threatened by the introduction of animal pests and loss of habitat.   

Native animals need a number of conditions to thrive and increase in numbers. Our native birds need a variety of food sources all year round and safe places to nest and forage for food. Invertebrates enjoy habitats that are moist, including soils and rotting wood. Some insects live in the water where leaf litter and shade are important habitat requirements. Many of our fish species need to have access to both the sea and fresh water so that they can live out their full lifecyle and breed.

A number of our native animals are also a good indication on the quality of habitat. The presence of these "indicator species" tells us if our natural areas are providing good habitat with low pest numbers.  These indicator species include robins, tomtits, kaka, kakariki, kiwi, kokako, riflemen, whitehead, fernbird, brown teal and bats.

• Fence off forest fragments, wetlands and streams and plant these areas with a variety of plants so there are food sources for our native animals. Plant trees like karamu, kohuhu, korokio, lemonwood, five-finger, putaputaweta and kohekohe for a winter supply of fruit and/or nectar. Some species have separate male and female (fruit bearing) plants, so plant many saplings of each species to guarantee fruit
• Have a strategy for controlling weeds
• Reduce the number of animal pests.

We are interested in hearing about sightings of species that you have not seen before in your area. For example if you spot a bellbird we would love to know about it, as this tells us that the health of our native forests could be improving.

Please report sightings of unusual or rare native animals to Greater Wellington on biodiversity@gw.govt.nz (or phone us and ask for a biosecurity officer). Please let us know what you have seen and where you saw it and include your contact details.

There are several websites which contain useful information about our native animals.

Department of Conservation

National Wildlife Centre

Forest and Bird

Landcare Research

Karori Sanctuary.

To view native birds and listen to their call visit www.whatbird.co.nz.