Birds

Birds

New Zealand is home to many unique birds. Albums here are grouped into related groups (orders) of different species.

Mammals

Mammals

The only native land mammals in New Zealand are two species of bats. However, we also have several species of marine mammals that can often be found around the coast, and many whales and dolphins at sea. Unfortunately we also have several species of introduced mammals, and these foreign pests have decimated many of our indigenous ecosystems — driving many species to extinction.

Reptiles and frogs

Reptiles and frogs

New Zealand has an impressive herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians). It is the only home of tuatara, a unique reptile that has barely changed for millions of years. We also have ancient frogs that don't croak or swim, and an amazing variety of lizard species (skinks and geckos).

Invertebrates

Invertebrates

The majority of animals on Earth don't have a spine like we do. These are the invertebrates.

Plants

Plants

Here plants are grouped into broad categories — flowering plants, conifers (which have cones, not flowers), ferns (which have spores, not seeds), and mosses and liverworts.

Fungi

Fungi

Fungi and lichen (which of course are fungi and algae growing together) are found almost everywhere, but often overlooked. They are not only essential to healthy ecosystems, often they are also beautiful when fruiting.

Abstracts

Abstracts

Abstract patterns from the natural world.