Kiwi: New Zealand native land birds - Department of Conservation
WEBTokoeka – literally meaning 'weka with a walking stick' (Ngāi Tahu) - has three geographically and genetically distinct forms: Haast, Fiordland, and Rakiura (Stewart Island). The kiwi is a unique and curious bird: it cannot fly, has loose, hair-like feathers, strong legs and no tail. Learn more about the kiwi, the national icon of New ...
Kākāpō: New Zealand native land birds - Department of …
WEBSirocco is New Zealand's official Spokesbird for conservation. Kākāpō Recovery leads kākāpō conservation efforts today. They face major challenges due to kākāpō infertility and inbreeding. Nevertheless, they've had some triumphant successes using innovative techniques to grow the population. The history of kākāpō is a story of drama ...
Tuatara: New Zealand reptiles - Department of Conservation
WEBTuatara are New Zealand’s largest reptile. Adult males are about 0.5 metres in length, and weigh up to 1.5 kg when fully grown. The male has a distinctive crest of spines running along the neck and down the back. He can erect these spines to attract females or when fighting with other males.
Possums: New Zealand animal pests and threats - Department of …
WEBTypically, adult possums are 65 to 95 cm long and weigh 1.4 to 6.4 kg. Possums are nocturnal and can live anywhere where there is shelter and a varied food supply. They are now widespread across most of New Zealand. The main habitat is forest, and possum densities can be particularly high in podocarp-broadleaf forests.
New Zealand native plants: Conservation - Department of …
WEBThe native flora of New Zealand is unique as it evolved in isolation for millions of years. 80% of our trees, ferns and flowering plants are endemic (found only in New Zealand). About 10–15% of the total land area of New Zealand is covered with native flora, from tall kauri and kohekohe forests to rainforest dominated by rimu, beech, tawa ...
Freedom camping: Stay at a DOC campsite - Department of …
WEBSee the full definition of freedom camping in the Freedom Camping Act 2011 (external site). Freedom camping is allowed on much of DOC managed public conservation land – but there are exceptions, and special conditions apply in some areas. Note: Staying at DOC campsites is not considered ‘freedom camping’, even if the campsite is free of ...
Yellow-eyed penguin/hoiho: Sea and shore birds - Department of …
WEBThe 2019 estimate was 265 breeding pairs, a 65% decline in 20 years. The decline was due to a series of poor breeding seasons caused by lack of food, disease and predators. Unfortunately a 2020 survey on Rakiura showed a similar pattern of decline (c. 71%) from 154 pairs in 2008/09 to 44 pairs in 2020/21.
Careers: Jobs at DOC - Department of Conservation
WEBCareers. The Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai is a great place to work for anyone who is passionate about nature and the environment. Our people are responsible for caring for our land, water and native species. Spread throughout the country, they ensure that nature can thrive. They perform a huge range of tasks in roles from ...
National parks: Map of New Zealand: Parks and recreation
WEBNew Zealand's national parks contain some of our most treasured wilderness areas.
Stoats: Pests - Department of Conservation
WEBBirds that nest in holes in tree trunks such as mohua, kākā and yellow-crowned kākāriki are easy prey for stoats who can take out eggs, chicks and incubating adults in one attack. Stoats are implicated in the extinction of South Island subspecies of bush wren, laughing owl and New Zealand thrush. Even a 3 kg takahe or 2 kg kakapo can be ...