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The environment of New Zealand is characterised by an endemic flora and fauna which has evolved in near isolation from the rest of the world. [1] The main islands of New Zealand span two biomes , temperate and subtropical , complicated by large mountainous areas above the tree line. [ 2 ]
The siphon whelk Penion ormesi is a large, marine snail species endemic to New Zealand. New Zealand has a high number of endemic species, [17] such as: 80% of all vascular plants; 70% of all native terrestrial and freshwater birds; All bats; All native amphibians; All reptiles; 90% of freshwater fish; 90% of insects and molluscs 75% of marine ...
The weka, also known as the Māori hen [2] or woodhen (Gallirallus australis) is a flightless bird species of the rail family. It is endemic to New Zealand. Some authorities consider it as the only extant member of the genus Gallirallus. [3] Four subspecies are recognized but only two (northern/southern) are supported by genetic evidence. [4]
Currently the species had only been identified in the vicinity of Lynfield. [31] stitchbird, hihi Notiomystis cincta: bird New Zealand: Historically common across New Zealand, by the 20th century had become restricted to Little Barrier Island. Since 1991, the species has been reintroduced to islands and sanctuaries. [32] pale flowered kūmarahou
The kiwi is a national symbol of New Zealand. The animals of New Zealand, part of its biota, have an unusual history because, before the arrival of humans, less than 900 years ago, the country was mostly free of mammals, except those that could swim there (seals, sea lions, and, off-shore, whales and dolphins) or fly there .
The introduction of many invasive species is threatening the indigenous biodiversity, since the geographical isolation of New Zealand led to the evolution of plants and animals that did not have traits to protect against predation. New Zealand has a high proportion of endemic species, so pest control is generally regarded as a high priority.
About half the species are endemic to New Zealand. There are 606 species known in New Zealand. While these include some thallose liverworts, with liver-shaped thalli, most are leafy liverworts which can be confused with mosses and filmy ferns. Undescribed species, and those not previously recorded in New Zealand, continue to be found in lowland ...
Very little is known about any butterfly extinctions since human settlement of New Zealand since they leave few remains. The majority of New Zealand invertebrates are found in forests, so it is possible that some butterflies became extinct due to the large scale forest clearance after human settlement. [3]