Introduction to wetland biodiversity

Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth; different animals and plants live in different ecosystems. Wetlands are crucial for the Earth’s health, as they support biodiversity, regulate water cycles, and filter pollutants.

Natives that we plant at our wetlands include kōwhai, coprosma, Olearia lineata, cabbage trees, flax, and heaps, heaps more. These plants help us provide habitats for native birds and insects down at the wetlands. These plants provide food and shelter for native critters, encouraging them to thrive in the area.

By protecting our wetlands, we ensure that biodiversity thrives and ecosystems stay healthy for future generations. 

Authors: Maddie and Lani (Year 7)

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PLANTS / INVERTEBRATES / BIRDS

Plants of Shotover Wetland

Pūrei | Carex secta

Kōwhai | Sophora microphylla

  • The kōwhai’s bright blooms act as a beacon for tūī and korimako, which fly from up to 500 metres for a sip of the nectar inside.

Tī kouka | Cordyline australis

  • Seen country-wide, this palm-like tree is a great source of food for berry-eating native birds and home to the cabbage tree moth.

Mingmingi | Coprosma propinqua

Harakeke | Phormium tenax

Tree daisy | Olearia lineata

Invertebrates of Shotover Wetland

Kōwhai | Sophora microphylla

  • The kōwhai’s bright blooms act as a beacon for tūī and korimako, which fly from up to 500 metres for a sip of the nectar inside.

Kōwhai | Sophora microphylla

  • The kōwhai’s bright blooms act as a beacon for tūī and korimako, which fly from up to 500 metres for a sip of the nectar inside.

Tī kouka | Cordyline australis

  • Seen country-wide, this palm-like tree is a great source of food for berry-eating native birds and home to the cabbage tree moth.

Tī kouka | Cordyline australis

  • Seen country-wide, this palm-like tree is a great source of food for berry-eating native birds and home to the cabbage tree moth.

Tree daisy | Olearia lineata

Tree daisy | Olearia lineata

Birds of Shotover Wetland

Kōwhai | Sophora microphylla

  • The kōwhai’s bright blooms act as a beacon for tūī and korimako, which fly from up to 500 metres for a sip of the nectar inside.

Kōwhai | Sophora microphylla

  • The kōwhai’s bright blooms act as a beacon for tūī and korimako, which fly from up to 500 metres for a sip of the nectar inside.

Tī kouka | Cordyline australis

  • Seen country-wide, this palm-like tree is a great source of food for berry-eating native birds and home to the cabbage tree moth.

Tī kouka | Cordyline australis

  • Seen country-wide, this palm-like tree is a great source of food for berry-eating native birds and home to the cabbage tree moth.

Tree daisy | Olearia lineata

Tree daisy | Olearia lineata