New Zealand Temperate Forests - A Global Ecoregion
85% of New Zealand's plants are unique to New Zealand
Snapshot: Ecoregion 66
Size:
170,000 sq. km (65,500 sq. miles)
Habitat type:
Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forests
Geographic Location:
Southern island of New Zealand
Conservation Status:
Vulnerable
Did You Know!
Keas, a species of parrot well adapted to the cold, eat seeds, foliage, carrion, and sometimes even attack sickly sheep!
About the Area
This Global ecoregion is made up of these terrestrial ecoregions: Richmond temperate forests; Nelson Coast temperate forests; Westland temperate forests; Southland temperate forests; Northland temperate forests; Fiordland temperate forests; Northland temperate kauri forests.
The temperate forests of the South Island of New Zealand are some of the largest contiguous areas of native vegetation in the country and are one of only five major temperate rainforests in the world.Those of the west coast include a world heritage site, five national parks, make up the largest nature conservancy in New Zealand, and include one of only three major southern beech (Nothofagus sp.) forests in the world.
Local Species
Many unusual plant and animals occur here including Speargrasses (Aciphyllas spp.), Pigeonwood (Hedycarya arborea), the flightless Takahe (Porphyrio mantelli), Fiordland crested penguin (Eudyptes pachyrhynchus), and cold-adapted Kea parrot (Nestor notabilis).
Threats
Threats include, logging, burning, invasive species introductions, and tourism.
Resources
• NationalGeographic.com
