Native animals - all regions
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.
New evidence shows possums are eating New Zealand's native parrot the kea. Nest-cameras for the first time show what happens inside kea nests invaded by stoats and possums in South Westland.
Did you know earthworms are the preferred diet of Powelliphanta snails? Learn more facts about these giant snails.
The Fiordland crested penguin or tawaki, is one of the rarest of New Zealand's mainland penguins.
The Haast tokoeka kiwi is ranked by DOC as nationally endangered with an estimated population of only 350.
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.
Learn about New Zealand's five species of mudfish.
The pointy-nosed New Zealand fur seal is found throughout New Zealand and western and southern Australia.
Get information about the Oparara Blue Duck Protection Programme, sponsored by Solid Energy.
Rowi are New Zealand's rarest kiwi species, with an estimated 370 surviving in just one patch of forest in Ōkārito, South Westland.
Learn about the long-term goal to establish a population whio/blue duck in Styx-Arahura Valleys on the West Coast. The project is sponsored by Solid Energy.
Public reportings and observations from southern right whale research have increased DOC's knowledge of this threatened species.
The Westland petrel (tāiko) is endemic to New Zealand and breeds only on the West Coast of the South Island.
The white heron (or kōtuku) has always been rare in New Zealand and it has attained almost mythical status, revered by both Māori and pakeha for its elegant white feathers.
The mohua/yellowhead is a small, insect eating bird which lives only in the forests of New Zealand's South Island and Stewart Island.
Learn how you can get involved in helping to save the rowi.