Why it matters
In forgotten corners of New Zealand, nature is disappearing. Government agencies are failing to protect nature on public land. On private land, rules are still allowing destruction of threatend plants and animals, leaving increasingly tiny fragments of intact nature. We have to turn this around, or we will lose more species forever.
New Zealand has shown it’s possible to bring species back from the brink. Forest & Bird volunteers are assisting with the re-introduction of species to recovering forests today.
By overall, we’re still losing – there are too many places and too many species simply slipping through the gaps. Over 80% of our land-based birds, bats, reptiles and frogs in trouble, and climate change is going to make things worse.
A few examples of the many forgotten places include:
- Forests are collapsing due to possum browsing
- Wetlands are disappearing and the ones that remain are often degraded. Even some of our internationally recognised RAMSAR wetlands are in bad shape
- Crown-owned land in the high country is threatened by development on an enormous scale
- Riverbeds are choked with weeds, which degrades habitat for native wildlife
What is Forest & Bird doing?
We are shining a light on these forgotten places, and advocating for the care and management they need. We know that simple changes to rules and legislation – and in any cases, simply more money – can help turn this tide around.
But we need your help to let us know about your local forgotten places – we’d love to hear from you! Email forgottenplaces@forestandbird.org.nz with your stories and photos.
Together, we can create a fighting chance for New Zealand’s unique natural environment.
What can you do
What you can do in 5 minutes
- Send stories and photos of your forgotten places to forgottenplaces@forestandbird.org.nz
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