Ecosystems and Biodiversity

A DigitalNZ Story by National Library of New Zealand Topics

Ecosystems are areas where plants, animals, landscape and weather co-exist. The health of an ecosystem can be measured by the diversity of species within it, which is known as biodiversity. SCIS no: 1978049

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Image: Copper Butterfly

Copper Butterfly

iNaturalist NZ — Mātaki Taiao

Image: Midge larva

Scientists use species like midge larva to assess the quality of water in our streams, rivers and lakes.

Midge larva

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: Krill

Tiny krill, present in their millions, are a keystone species in Antarctic marine ecosystems.

Krill

Antarctica New Zealand

Image: New Zealand Longfin Eel

The New Zealand tuna (longfin and shortfin eel) plays an important role in our freshwater ecosystems.

New Zealand Longfin Eel

iNaturalist NZ — Mātaki Taiao

Image: Forest Service Hut

Protecting ecosystems sometimes means eradicating or culling introduced species such as deer, goats and rabbits.

Forest Service Hut

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage

Image: New Zealand Lesser Short-tailed Bat

Bats are part of Aotearoa's estimated 80,000 endemic species that contribute to the biodiversity of our planet.

New Zealand Lesser Short-tailed Bat

iNaturalist NZ — Mātaki Taiao

Image: Reducing by-catch

Commercial fishing has a huge impact on marine biodiversity worldwide, however sustainable practices are being adopted.

Reducing by-catch

Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage