Wildlife

In Aotearoa, the introduction of non-native, invasive species has had an enormous impact on our native wildlife and is a major environmental challenge in conservation.

The only mammals native to New Zealand are three species of bat. Introduced mammals, including possums, rats, mustelids (stoats, ferrets and weasels), mice, cats, goats and pigs have decimated our native forest flora and fauna. In freshwaters, introduced fish species such as trout and koi carp, invasive weeds and algae such as didymo all pose a major threat. The populations of many of our native species that evolved in the absence of these introduced predators have dramatically declined since their introduction. Without intervention by conservationists to control pest populations, many of Aotearoa’s native birds, reptiles, fish, insects, other invertebrates and plants would be lost to us forever.

“Biodiversity loss is one of the biggest threats we face, because without biodiversity, the world’s ecological processes (including climate) do not function as well. Biodiversity equals stability for habitats, ecological processes and climate. A less wild world is less able to provide for our needs, less able to provide dependable weather, seasons and sea temperatures and less able to absorb human impacts.”

— David Attenborough

Ideas for churches to help protect biodiversity in Aotearoa New Zealand

Is there a local biodiversity or conservation project in your community that your church could support?

If you’re interested in predator free groups, check out Predator Free NZ’s map of projects.
If you’re interested in ecological restoration groups, check out Nature Space’s directory of community groups.
If you’re interested in beach clean-ups or riparian planting projects, check out Sustainable Coastlines’ list of events.
If you’re interested in support an A Rocha project, find out more about A Rocha local group projects or the Karioi Project - for latest events, check out the A Rocha facebook events page or the Karioi Project facebook events page.

Is there a biodiversity / conservation / restoration project that your church would like to get started on?

Predator Free NZ offers some tips for starting a community predator control project.
Or you could encourage church members to start backyard trapping.
If you’d like to run a beach clean-up event, Sustainable Coastlines has a DIY kit to help get you organised.

Free Online Courses by the Department of Conservation

Introduction to Natural Heritage - This free online course provides a broad understanding of the fundamentals of biodiversity and DOC’s management approach. This understanding is vital for anyone who works in conservation.

Animal Ecology Course - The Animal Ecology course is a free online course covering the differences between native and introduced animal species, how animals interact with each other, and why long-term predator control is vital.

Bird Identification - The Bird Identification online course will help you identify the 10 New Zealand forest birds most commonly recorded during five minute bird counts.

Wildflower meadows

Sustainable wildflower meadows with predominantly grasses and perennial plants require minimum intervention and are great for biodiversity as they attract insects, birds and micro-organisms. Wildflower meadows would suit areas that are difficult to access, or inefficient to mow, like in between trees, as well as areas with low foot traffic. Is there somewhere around your church that would be suitable for a wildflower meadow?