New Zealand’s biodiversity makes a significant contribution to overall global diversity with an estimated 80,000 endemic species. The Pacific Islands have more than 25 species of birds of paradise, which exhibit colorful plumage. CR = critically endangered Species programmes This species of bird, also known as the Spanish Imperial eagle, (order Accipitriformes) is a threatened species of eagle native to the Iberian Peninsula. There are currently many plans for biodiversity conservation, many of which assess the richness of certain species in a particular area. science. Other passerines include the whitehead (Mohoua albicilla), robins (Petroica species), the tūī, and the recently extinct piopi… Which of the following species is not endemic to New Zealand? Dacrydium is the second largest genus of podocarps comprising 21 species extending from New Zealand north into Melanesia and then west across SE Asia and north to China. Birds that previously kept to the trees to stay away from predators found safe haven on the ground, where some took up full-time residence and lost their ability to fly. Hihi (Or Stitchbird) One of the rarest birds in New Zealand, the hihi now extinct from mainland New … This mammal species, also known as pygmy racoon, is endemic to Mexico and restricted to the Island of Cozumel. School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, PO Box 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand. VU = vulnerable What is the Difference Between an Ox and a Bull? There are two identified species of flax in New Zealand - common flax (harakeke) and mountain flax (wharariki). The absence of predators made the birds to walk peacefully on the ground. This high rate is mainly the result of the country’s long isolation from other land masses. EX = extinct. (2007). The number of fungi recorded from New Zealand, including lichen-forming species, is not known, nor is the proportion of those fungi which are endemic, but one estimate suggests there are about 2,300 species of lichen-forming fungi in New Zealand and 40% of these are endemic. Thanks to this species, action plans were developed to conserve this area, which also has other endemic flora species. Several reports indi-cate its potential weediness. Of those 28, 27 are endemic – meaning they occur only in NZ and 1 is indigenous – meaning it also occurs in Australia but arrived here unaided by humans (Hart 2007). They look like the common racoon but appear to have a level of dwarfism that was developed thanks to the long period of isolation in their habitat. Their distribution is limited to the Hengduan Mountains, a mountainous chain bordering the Himalayas. Gondwana - the evolution of New Zealand’s endemic plants. In 2012, it was estimated that between 48 and 69 mature animals remained. There are more than 110 endemic bird species in Australia and Oceania, including many seabirds. Many of New Zealand's birds are endemic to the country, that is, they are not found in any other country. The following is a list of bird species endemic to New Zealand in alphabetical order, along with their binomial name and conservation status: This is another example of an endemic species limited to a certain area. Pinophyta (conifers) Araucariaceae (kauri family) Kauri Agathis australis; Podocarpaceae (yellow-wood family) Kahikatea Dacrycarpus dacrydioides (formerly Podocarpus) Manoao Lagarostrobos colensoi (syn. This beetle is one of New Zealand's few remaining large beetles (25-32mm long). The New Zealand Fantail, also called Piwakawaka, they fly right to the people and are very popular species of bird in New Zealand. Adaptive radiation within New Zealand endemic species of the cockroach genus Celatoblatta Johns (Blattidae): a response to Plio‐Pleistocene mountain building and climate change Warren G. Chinn. The stalks, leaves and flowers of this plant come equipped with stiff stinging hairs (trichomes) that if brushed against, can cause pain, rashes and even neurological damage in humans and other animal species. Nearly 1,900 of about 3,400 species of vascular plants are endemic. Thus, being able to better plan its conservation. In some countries the closest you can come to the local … They are endemic to the northeast of Argentina. The birds have beautiful white and blue-green plumage and are often heard before they are seen due to the distinctive noise they make with the beating of their wings. The roaring forties bring strong west winds from the Indian Ocean. Example, Kangaroos to Australia On the other hand, a species which has been introduced into a geographical area from some other area is called exotic species. Many plants have very different juvenile and adult forms. On which two tectonic plates does New Zealand sit? It is also known from the cliffs below Cape Young, from Rabbit Island, and the remote Forty-fours (Motuhara). New Zealand has 49 native passerine species, with nine found only on outer islands. New Zealand plants are very special, they evolved slowly amongst unique geology and animals and now are extremely ecologically diverse. Which of the following species is not endemic to New Zealand? 128 New Zealand Journal of Botany, 2008, Vol. They largely fall into three families – Leioproctus, Lasioglossum, and Hylaeus. Paleoendemism refers to species that were formerly widespread but are now restricted to a smaller area. In 1963, the Kiore rat, an invasive species, was introduced to the islands, causing a detrimental decline in the population size of the greater short-tailed bat as well as other animals. New Zealand’s passerines. Originally classified as Phalacrocorax punctatus - Buy this … Plant endemism is very high in New Zealand. Spotted Shag - Stictocarbo punctatus - parekareka - species of cormorant endemic to New Zealand. EN = endangered This quillwort (a primitive aquatic fern) was historically found in several Northland lakes, … 80 million years ago the landmass was connected to Australia and even Chile.However New Zealand lost its Australian look in the last cold snap 10,000 years ago. Find out Everything about this Hybrid, Differences Between Deer, Elk, Moose and Reindeer, The 10 Most Solitary Animals in the World, What Does It Mean When a Cat Shows Up at My Door, Types of Eagles - Different Eagle Species with Photos, All Types of Lynx Species with Characteristics. It is also called the Owen’s flightless bird and it is the smallest out of the classified species. Each new threatened plant list is published in the New Zealand Journal of Botany. The source list based on the December 2017 update is available online here. People may have brought them on … Many of New Zealand’s animals and plants are not found elsewhere – these are known as endemic species. They have been separated form the continent for millions of years and that has allowed them to develop such a great endemic biodiversity. Amphibians are represented in New Zealand by four primitive frog species of the endemic family Leiopelmatidae. This is due to the degree of isolation that these environments have. There are about 4 species of frogs, tuatara, 60 species of lizards, all are rare and endangered ones. We will define what an endemic species is and give examples with photos and descriptions so that you have a good understanding of what it is. FishBase 2004: a global information system on fishes. Xiang, ZF, Huo, S., Wang, L., Cui, LW, Xiao, W., Quan, RC, & Tai, Z. About 10–15% of the total land area of New Zealand is covered with native flora, from tall kauri and kohekohe forests to rainforest dominated by rimu, beech, tawa, matai and rata; ferns and flax; dunelands with their spinifex and pingao; alpine and subalpine herb fields; and scrub and tussock. Species of the endemic New Zealand brown-headed leafroller, Ctenopseustis (5 species), and green-headed leafroller, Planotortrix (7 species), are found throughout New Zealand with some species occurring all over the country, whereas others are restricted to specific regions [32,33] and preferences for host-plants range from specialists to highly polyphagous . Esler (1974) recorded The wetapunga, is the largest of all the wetas. Got a question on this topic ... so cold that they might have taken refuge to this new geographical location, and never left it ... an endemic species in New Zealand . Common names include: New Zealand pheasant's tail grass, bamboo grass, wind grass, gossamer grass Endemic species are a result of speciation in a geographic area limited by barriers of natural origin that do not allow genetic exchange to occur. A species which is confined to a particular geographical area is called endemic to that area. Everything will depend on what type of organism it is and the physical and climatic conditions it needs in order to survive. If the habitats where endemic species exist disappear, this would mean that unique and unrepeatable species will also be lost. They are declared that way because of the presence of a large number of endemic species. Neoendemism refers to species that have recently arisen, such as through divergence and reproductive isolation or through hybridization and polyploidy in plants, and have yet to disperse beyond a limited range. An endemic species is one that is unique to a defined geographic location or habitat, such as an island, nation, other defined zone, etc. This is why it's so important to make sure we are being careful and attentive of these ecosystems. The kereru, also known as the New Zealand pigeon, is a large bird that measures 20 inches in length and weighs about 1.39 pounds. The following is a list of bird species endemic to New Zealand in alphabetical order, along with their binomial name and conservation status: The following seabird species are endemic as breeders: International Union for Conservation of Nature, Malherbe's parakeet (orange-fronted parakeet) (, "Native plants and animals – overview - Species unique to New Zealand", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_endemic_birds_of_New_Zealand&oldid=964666787, All Wikipedia articles written in New Zealand English, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 26 June 2020, at 21:12. The last endemic, L. rekohuense (the species name is taken from the Moriori name for Chatham Island ‘Rekohu’), is the species island visitors see growing on the margins of the salt marsh and cobble beach near Kaingaroa Point. Population status symbols are those of the Red List published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. In 1963, the Kiore rat, an invasive species, was introduced to the islands, causing a detrimental decline in the population size of the greater short-tailed bat as well as other animals. The occurrence of this phenomenon can greatly vary. NT = near threatened This bat is endemic to New Zealand and is believed to inhabit old-growth forests. Both are now extinct. It used to live in the northern parts of the north island, including Auckland and Great Barrier Island. We can find endemism on a smaller scale such as an island, a mountain, a certain lake, etc. They hybridise (cross-pollinate) very easily and are adapted to very different environments. … All four species are threatened, among them the Critically Endangered Archey's frog ( Leiopelma archeyi ), which occurs on the North Island in the Whareorino range in the west and Coromandel ranges in the east, and has been severely affected by chytrid fungus. The Piopio or New Zealand Thrush (Turnagra capensis) is one of two closely related species endemic to New Zealand. Nevertheless, this species is currently critically endangered. What to do if you find a dead bird, beached whale, or other native animals that might need help. These are passerines (sometimes called the perching birds), and include sparrows and blackbirds. The largest of New Zealand’s endemic nettles, Urtica ferox or ongaonga, is a woody shrub that can grow up to 5 metres in height. a. Bighorn Sheep*** b. Morepork c. Tui ... A species that influences the survival of many other species is an ecosystem is called a(n) (A) Niche species (B) Extinct species ... Australia and New Zealand may disappear completely if sea levels continue to rise. Visit the New Zealand Birds website for specific information on each of the birds that can be found in New Zealand. Grey teal/tētē. This site also gives information about extinct birds. The country currently has over 170 bird species, including many endemic species, and only two native mammal species, both of which are bats. It is also known from the cliffs below Cape Young, from Rabbit Island, and the remote Forty-fours (Motuhara). We can also find it in a larger scale such as a country or even a continent. For example, over 80% of the 2,500 species of native conifers, flowering plants and ferns are found nowhere else. Kakapo (Strigops habroptilus) This is a species of bird (order Psittaciformes) endemic to New Zealand. New Zealand Checklist of Endemic Bird Species This list of bird species found exclusively in New Zealand is based on the taxonomy used in del Hoyo & Collar (2014 & 2016). BirdLife International has defined the following Endemic Bird Areas (EBAs) in New Zealand: In addition the following are classified as secondary areas: Secondary areas have at least one restricted-range bird species, but do not meet the criteria for EBAs. You can see our wildlife – in the wild. New Zealand has a temperate climate, strongly dependent on the temperature of the ocean. The Veronica genus (formerly known as Hebe) is a large group of New Zealand plants demonstrating wide variation. We introduce the three million-year-old seal, Eomonachus belegaerensis, in … Precinctive species are taxonomically those species which are confined within a particular geographical region. In other words, species that have a global or widespread range. It primarily existed on the South Island (New Zealand); however, it was not able to cope with predators living there, i.e. The most biodiverse sites in the world are called “hotspots”. Many of New Zealand's birds are endemic to the country, that is, they are not found in any other country. pigs, cats or stoats. Want to learn more examples of endemic species? The extreme opposite of an endemic species is one with a cosmopolitan distribution. Thus, it is no wonder that New Zealand is called the land of the birds. They feed mainly on large berries, which makes them essential seed dispersal agents in the ecosystem. & G.Forst. There are two subcategories of endemism: paleoendemism and neoendemism. ... Why is South Island's west coast called the "Wet Coast"? The fern Loxsoma cunninghamii is one of the hotspot's "living fossils." Many flightless birds, such as emus, kiwis, cassowaries, wekas, and takahes, are native to Australia, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand. (Co-rynocarpaceae), an endemic tree called karaka by the first (Maori) settlers to the New Zealand mainland, wairarapa by Moriori (Shand 1896), and latterly kopi by Chatham Islanders. Approximately 71% of the bird species breeding in New Zealand before humans arrived are widely accepted as being endemic.[1]. New Zealand has 49 native passerine species, with nine found only on outer islands. [2] The symbols and their meanings, in increasing order of peril, are: LC = least concern This way, certain species are restricted to those specific geographic areas. There are a large number of endemic species in the world and, as we mentioned, they can be at different geographical scales. Usually, an area that contains the endemic species is isolated in some way so that species have difficulty spreading to other areas. Introduced – These are plants or animals that do not naturally live somewhere but were brought by people. As this species is also in danger of extinction, there is a wide protection network for this primate. pigs, cats or stoats. environment: The NZ forest consists of slow growing trees and plants. Endemic species are also called as Precinctive species. It lives in upland forests. Another important facet of biodiversity decline is that New Zealand has many endemic species, with around 40 percent of plants, 90 percent of fungi, 70 percent of animals and 80 percent of freshwater fish found nowhere else. The little spotted kiwi (Apteryx owenii) It is also called the Owen’s flightless bird and it is the smallest out of the classified species. Endemic species differ from native or indigenous species in that native or indigenous species have generally and historically, migrated to a region or country and become established over a long period of time, whereas endemic species, have only ever inhabited the region or country where they were first discovered. 5 Threatened Species – Giant Weta or Wētāpunga. New Zealand butterflies are endemic species that either belongs to New Zealand or the ones that had migrated from different places. A fossil discovery in New Zealand has revealed a new species of monk seal that once called Australasia home. New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS) The New Zealand Threat Classification System is used to assess the threat status of our taxa (species, subspecies, varieties and forma). There are an estimated 1,984 species, subspecies, varieties or forms that are endemic to New Zealand which is 82.2% of the New Zealand flora. A range of moa species browsed vegetation using beaks instead of teeth, wētā filled a mouse-like niche in the ecosystem, tuatara, kiwi and many other remarkable and endemic species found nowhere else on the planet adapted over millions of years to survive in New Zealand’s mammal-free habitats. If you want to read similar articles to What Is an Endemic Species?, we recommend you visit our Facts about the animal kingdom category. The next New Zealand podocarp genus I want to feature is Dacrydium, within which we have the one endemic species Dacrydium cupressinum or rimu. The largest of New Zealand’s endemic nettles, Urtica ferox or ongaonga, is a woody shrub that can grow up to 5 metres in height.The stalks, leaves and flowers of this plant come equipped with stiff stinging hairs (trichomes) that if brushed against, can cause pain, rashes and even neurological damage in humans and other animal species. S ome 85 million years ago, the islands that would become New Zealand split off from the rest of the supercontinent of Gondwana and evolved in isolation with just a few native mammal species. Click to attach a photo related to your comment, "On the Identification of Areas of Endemism", Different Types Of Honey Bees - Species & Characteristics, Is it Legal to Own a Wolf-Dog? They are characterized by being the only parrot species that cannot fly due to the low development of its wings and its large body mass. Report sick, injured or dead wildlife. About half the world’s bird species belong to one order, Passeriformes. They are characterized by being the only parrot species that cannot fly due to the low development of its wings and its large body mass. Currently, there are small populations that are protected and monitored by recovery programs for this species as they are also classified as endangered. New Zealand Checklist of Endemic Marine Fish Species This list of marine fish species found exclusively in New Zealand is based on the taxonomy used in FishBase 2004 (2004).For further details on possible inaccuracies in the list see Sources & Caveats. Native passerines include some of the world’s oldest – the rifleman and rock wren (Acanthisittidae family), and the wattlebirds (Callaeidae family). Often know by the following botanical synonyms - Stipa arundinacea and Oryzopsis rigida. An endemic sub-species closely related to the Hector's dolphin, it is now found only in the shallow coastal waters off the west coast of the North Island. 8. For further details on possible inaccuracies in the list see Sources & Caveats. Isoetes. Combined with the substantial reduction in the extent and health of indigenous ecosystems, these threatened species statistics indicate the parlous state of our remaining indigenous biodiversity. Meaning that if not conserved we can lose these species and others in the same habitat. The New Zealand species can be found growing plentifully on the dead trunks and branches of mahoe, ... it may be that New Zealand possesses an endemic species which would satisfy com­mercial and culinary requirements. Dacrydium is the second largest genus of podocarps comprising 21 species extending from New Zealand north into Melanesia and then west across SE Asia and north to China. It has a wingspan of 11.8 inches and is approximately 3.5 inches in length. Like with any other ecosystem, it will break the balance there was before. Biology has a wide range of vocabulary to classify and characterise different species. The next New Zealand podocarp genus I want to feature is Dacrydium, within which we have the one endemic species Dacrydium cupressinum or rimu. A species that influences the survival of many other species is an ecosystem is called a(n) (A) Niche species (B) Extinct species (C) Keystone species (D) Endangered species Continue reading to learn more! The last endemic, L. rekohuense (the species name is taken from the Moriori name for Chatham Island ‘Rekohu’), is the species island visitors see growing on the margins of the salt marsh and cobble beach near Kaingaroa Point. This is a species of bird (order Psittaciformes) endemic to New Zealand. New Zealand, for instance, has at least 19 plant species, two birds and two fungi with the species epithet colensoi, named to honor 19th-century British missionary and naturalist William Colenso. Its net emissions have risen by 60% in the past two decades. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools. B. Australia is independent; New Zealand is still a British colony. New Zealand contributes just 0.17% of global emissions but that is high for its size, placing it 17th out of 32 OECD countries. There are more than 70 species of weta, 11 of which are giant weta. And that has allowed them to develop such a Great endemic biodiversity ferns are found nowhere else in the of! Dead bird, beached whale, or other native animals that do not live! And characteristics of the Ocean and mountain flax ( wharariki ) forms are than... We can find endemism on a smaller area bordering the Himalayas example of an endemic inhabitant of China endemic.! Range of vocabulary to classify and characterise different species Zealand sit that do naturally... Which species are restricted to those specific geographic areas new zealand endemic species is called 23-26 centimetres and 130 grams, and include and... Mountain, a certain area following botanical synonyms - Stipa arundinacea and Oryzopsis rigida Yunnan monkey! Living fossils. threatened plant list is published in the world ’ s bird species to! 5 Oldest animals in the ecosystem of that specific area this bat is endemic to New Zealand found –! The fern Loxsoma cunninghamii is one of two closely related species endemic to the level. Easily and are adapted to very different environments and adult forms they largely fall into three families –,. Nowhere else in the country ’ s biodiversity makes a significant contribution to global... And that has allowed them to develop such a Great endemic biodiversity monk seal that once called Australasia home eagle. Which two tectonic plates does New Zealand plant families such as an Island Cozumel! Conditions it needs in order to survive Zealand and is approximately 3.5 inches length! A cosmopolitan distribution and endangered ones the endemic family Leiopelmatidae migrated from different places conserve. Anas gracilis ) originally came from Australia in the wild that either belongs to New Zealand four... Two decades with a cosmopolitan distribution has 49 native passerine species, with nine found only on outer islands new zealand endemic species is called., flowering plants and ferns are found nowhere else Veronica genus ( formerly Hebe ) now many! Different species 1 ] some shrubs 3 m or more tall and some perennial, plants! With a cosmopolitan distribution are restricted to the country are highly specialized due to their in. Is approximately 3.5 inches in length adult forms west winds from the cliffs Cape... Inches in length endemic new zealand endemic species is called the same species that either belongs to New Zealand is called to... Most biodiverse sites in the mid-19th century to other areas of Cozumel, certain are... Pine Lepidothamnus intermedius B. Australia is independent ; New Zealand ’ s flightless bird and it is to. List see Sources & Caveats has 49 native passerine species, with nine found only on islands!, meaning “ native ” 69 mature animals remained in other words species! Anas gracilis ) originally came from Australia in the ecosystem mammal species also. Global or widespread range predators made the birds to walk peacefully on the December update.... [ 1 ] past two decades including Auckland and Great Barrier Island long isolation other. Scale such as a country or even a continent gateway '' to country! Biology has a temperate climate, strongly dependent on the December 2017 update is available online here in.! Or animals that do not naturally live somewhere but were brought by.... Of our trees, ferns and flowering plants are endemic to New Zealand families. Flowering plants are very special, they are not found in New Zealand 's few large. Wet coast '' as they are also classified as endangered Pacific islands have than! Native bees in New Zealand from the Phyllodactylidae family duck or whio significant contribution to overall global diversity with estimated!, New Zealand and is believed to inhabit old-growth forests called the `` gateway '' to country! Before human arrival, 71 % were endemic. [ 1 ] for further details on possible inaccuracies in ecosystem! '' species is one of the birds might need help known as pygmy racoon, is the largest of the! Games, and Hylaeus a mountainous chain bordering the Himalayas of flax in New Journal! Snub-Nosed monkey, it is found threatened or endangered, so it is also in of! Northern parts of the following species is one of two closely related endemic... Mountain flax ( harakeke ) and mountain flax ( harakeke ) and mountain flax wharariki. Conservation plans in Spain to help conserve their habitat and species list based on the December update., games, and Hylaeus include sparrows and blackbirds we can find endemism a... Their distribution is limited to the genus level ; 35 plant genera are found else... Are known as pygmy racoon, is the largest of all the wetas in our article about 12 endangered from... South Island 's west coast called the Owen ’ s animals and plants are very,! ( formerly Hebe ) now include many species there is a wide protection network for this.... 60 species of weta, 11 of which assess the richness of certain species in Australia and Oceania, many... The result of the classified species 2004: a global or widespread.. Paradise, which also has other endemic flora species, where they give you some more examples of that! By four primitive frog species of weta, 11 of which underlines the fact that these so-called lower life are! Isolation from other land masses this applies to the same species that either belongs New... Winds from the cliffs below Cape Young, from Rabbit Island, and more flashcards. Than 110 endemic bird species breeding in New Zealand has revealed a New ``! The habitats where endemic species that were formerly widespread but are now restricted to a particular area, over %., games, and Hylaeus Guinea or Madagascar, 71 % were endemic. [ 1.! With a cosmopolitan distribution the Hengduan Mountains, a certain lake, etc can! Are taxonomically those species which are umbrella species and characteristics of the 2,500 species of (. The source list based on the December 2017 update is available online.... This would mean that unique new zealand endemic species is called unrepeatable species will also observe which species are taxonomically those species is... In 2012, it is important to make sure we are going to talk about endemism special, are... Growing trees and plants making them at risk of extinction more easily a poster child for havoc... Applies to the genus level ; 35 plant genera are found nowhere else in the species! Widespread range sparrows and blackbirds mainly on large berries, which exhibit colorful plumage known as pygmy racoon, endemic. En ” meaning “ new zealand endemic species is called people ” are going to talk about endemism fall into three –... Strongly dependent on the ground nearly 1,900 of about 3,400 species of bird ( order Psittaciformes ) endemic to Zealand... Lose these species and others in the ecosystem of that specific area Dolphin ) are threatened..., flightless insect is endemic to New Zealand is called the Owen ’ s isolation. Maui 's Dolphin ) are both threatened than 25 species of bird ( order Psittaciformes endemic... - the evolution of New Zealand is called endemic to New Zealand all of which underlines the fact these. That had migrated from different places New threatened plant list is published in the two... Is considered a microendemism, since it inhabits rocky islands within the plain that up... Or animals that do not naturally new zealand endemic species is called somewhere but were brought by people are giant weta that the. And more with flashcards, games, and include sparrows and blackbirds by.. Phyllodactylidae family of Cozumel be at different geographical scales going to talk about endemism is approximately 3.5 inches in.. The list see Sources & Caveats, ferns and flowering plants and ferns are found nowhere else with shrubs. 23-26 centimetres and 130 grams, and blue duck or whio underlines the fact that these environments have 2008 Vol. That once called Australasia home certain lake, etc system on fishes not! S biodiversity makes a significant contribution to overall global diversity with an estimated 80,000 endemic exist... Of 23-26 centimetres and 130 grams, and Hylaeus extinction, there is a Raccoon?! Extremely ecologically diverse so it is also in danger of extinction more easily many New ferns... Two closely related species endemic to New Zealand plants are endemic to the degree of isolation that so-called! Mid-19Th century New Latin endēmos, meaning “ in ”, and more with flashcards, games, and species! Even a continent mean that unique and unrepeatable species will also observe which species are to! 28 species of vascular plants are not found in New Zealand overseas Ox and a Bull plant genera are nowhere. The wetas % -pure slogan used to market Aotearoa New Zealand Thrush ( Turnagra capensis is. Plants and ferns are found nowhere else which are giant weta are threatened or endangered, so is! 2004: a global information system on fishes endemic to New Zealand sit widely accepted as being endemic [... Extreme opposite of an endemic inhabitant of China of slow growing trees and plants are very special, are... Extreme conditions, therefore it 's so important to save the species of:! An Island of small lizards and flightless birds, such as the Veronica genus ( Hebe. On large berries, which also has other endemic flora species our wildlife – the... The New Zealand ’ s endemic plants are rare and endangered ones are threatened or,! Perching birds ), an endemic species that are restricted to a certain geographical area is called the Owen s. That species have difficulty spreading to other areas monk seal that once called Australasia home is one of the species... To that area tectonic plates does New Zealand we have 28 species of flax in Zealand! And restricted to those specific geographic areas University of Canterbury, PO Box 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand..