In Aotearoa New Zealand, 94% of our reptile species, 82% of bird species, 80% of bat species, 76% of freshwater fish species, 22% of marine mammal species and 46% of vascular plant species are either facing extinction or are at risk of being threatened with extinction.
Many of our species are endemic – found nowhere else in the world. Because of this, their small populations and already dwindling numbers, they are particularly susceptible to the impact of climate change.
WWF has three goals that will stop biodiversity loss.
- Zero Extinction
- Zero Loss of Natural Habitats
- Halve Footprint of Production and Consumption.
They are all connected.
Help us to achieve zero loss of species by restoring vital habitats, supporting effort to control invasive predators and reducing the impact of human activities like plastic pollution, fisheries bycatch, deforestation, and land development.
© Angus McIntosh
A fish with the galaxy on its back
If we are to restore our country, we need to protect all our endangered species as well as the habitats they call home. Even the small, hard-to-spot freshwater fish - like our many species of galxaiids. Members of an ancient scaleless fish family named for the galaxy of spots on their back. All have unique features and all are threatened or at risk of extinction.
The Clutha flathead (another galxaiid) is classified as Nationally Critical. That's the same conservation status as the kākāpō. The species might not be as well known, but they are as uniquely ours as our beloved birds. And to lose them would make New Zealand a poorer, sadder place.
Read more about the work we are supporting to prevent that from happening.
© Matt Binns
At Risk: Recovering
Kōkako are a success story for conservation. Once common in the forests throughout the North Island, we have been losing them, mostly due to predation at nests by ship rats and possums. But conservation measures for this iconic songbird species are really working. To the point that the conservation status of the kōkako has been reclassified from Threatened to At Risk: Recovering.
Which is amazing. But 'recovering' doesn't mean safe.
Unfortunately, kōkako on the mainland are only doing well in areas with ongoing predator control. Sustaining these precious birds requires constant vigilance and the work of dedicated volunteers and rangers. Read about how we are supporting one community group who are controlling pests, restoring habitats and protecting this precious species.
© Pūkaha Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre
Bringing them home
Our offshore islands, many now cleared of predators, have been a life-line for many of our most threatened and endangered species. Places where their populations have not just been able to recover, but thrive. And nowhere more than on Te Hauturu-o-Toi / Little Barrier Island - one of Aoteaora New Zealand's oldest nature reserves.
We hope that in future, our threatened species that depend on island sanctuaries will also be able to thrive on the mainland. So that we, and future generations, can enjoy seeing these unique and treasured creatures in our gardens every day.
It is work already in progress. Slowly we are creating safe spaces for our little green parrots and other species. We're returning species to reserves and sanctuaries where they can safely re-establish themselves. Read about how we're helping boost the population of yellow crowned kākāriki at Pūkaha, Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre.
© Lou Sanson
A species in decline
While there are hopeful stories of threatened species brought back from the brink. Perhaps not safe but recovering.
So it is particularly sad to see the decline of the hoiho /yellow-eyed penguin on Rakiura Stewart Island.
Dropping from 154 breeding pairs in 2009 to just 44 in 2021. The hoiho is a species going backwards, despite our best efforts.
Although strides have been made in protecting them from predators and habitat loss on land, the penguins face additional threats at sea. Like fisheries by-catch, plastic pollution and warming sea temperatures due to climate change.
These are challenges facing not just the yellow-eyed penguin, but all of Aotearoa New Zealand's penguin species. You can help to protect them by symbolically adopting a penguin.
© naturepl.com / Tony Wu / WWF
Back from the Brink
Biodiversity loss is not just an issue for New Zealand. It's a global problem which needs global solutions.
For example, the humpback whale, is a great example. Because South Pacific humpback whales might breed in the Cook Islands, but you can also spot them in Cook Strait. Marine and migratory species like whales know no borders. They travel freely in the ocean, so they need to be protected across their full range.
Which is why establishing a network of Marine Protected Areas not just in New Zealand's territorial waters, but also in the high seas, is so important. Our precious whales need us to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030.
Humpback whales, once hunted to the brink of extinction, recovered when commercial whaling was prohibited by most countries. They're no longer endangered. Their story shows that when the world acts together, we can make a difference.
Unfortunately whales, and other marine species, face new threats, like plastic pollution, climate change and overfishing. But if we act together to protect 30% of the ocean, we can make a difference again.
Other ways to get involved
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Take action for the planet
To stop extinctions and restore nature, we also need to produce and consume more sustainably. Here are some everyday things you can do to reduce your footprint on the planet.
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Learn about endangered species
Check out our series of fascinating facts about some of our rare and endangered species, the threats they face and actions being taken to protect them.
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Become a citizen scientist
Contribute to biodiversity science by sharing your observations of nature, using apps like iNaturalist and SeaSpotter (New Zealand's marine mammal sightings app)
© Tomas Sobek
