Native animals - all regions
Albatrosses are the world's largest seabirds. Find out about the different species and the research and action underway to tackle the threats facing these ocean wanderers.
This atlas provides species descriptions, habitat information, images and distribution maps. The observations cover over 100 species.
The whio/blue duck is endemic to New Zealand. As the only member of its genus, the whio has a number of unique anatomical and behavioural features.
Did you know the lesser short-tailed bat is the only member of its family, Mystacinidae, known to still survive? Learn more about New Zealand's short-tailed bats in this section.
Did you know earthworms are the preferred diet of Powelliphanta snails? Learn more facts about these giant snails.
Did you know young kākā leave the nest before they can fly? Find out facts about kākā in this section.
The Fiordland crested penguin or tawaki, is one of the rarest of New Zealand's mainland penguins.
One of the smallest marine dolphins in the world, Hector's dolphins grow no more than 1.5 m in length.
Advice for attracting birds to your garden if you are designing a new garden or developing an existing one.
The kākāpō (night parrot) is one of New Zealand's unique treasures and with only 126 known surviving birds - including 11 new chicks born in 2011 - it is listed internationally as a critically endangered species.
New Zealand sea lions are one of the rarest seal species in the world. Sea lions are found mainly on beaches in Otago and Southland areas and New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands. New Zealand sea lions are generally quite confident around people and dogs so it is important to keep at least 10 metres from them.
The endangered New Zealand dotterel/tūturiwhatu is found only in this country.
Read the diaries of kākāpō rangers who are living on small offshore islands to help save this incredible parrot.
The toroa or royal albatross is a graceful giant with a wing span of over three metres. Renowned ocean wanderers, they travel vast distances from their breeding grounds to feed.
Confined to the subantarctic Snares Islands, the Snares crested penguin nests in dense colonies under forest.
Subantarctic teal include the Auckland Island teal and the distinctly different Campbell Island teal.
The flightless takahē is a colourful green and blue bird with an impressive red beak and short stout legs. The takahē are classified as an endangered species.
The mohua/yellowhead is a small, insect eating bird which lives only in the forests of New Zealand's South Island and Stewart Island.