Indigenous Ecosystems of the Waikato
Waikato Ecosystems
This information details the 9 major ecosystems of the Waikato region.
The information contains descriptions of ecosystems and examples of the plant and animal species that are found in them. See the Restoration report page for more information.
The 9 Major Ecosystems of the Waikato Region
Native Forest and Scrub
Tall evergreen rainforest clothed more than 70% of the Waikato Region prior to human settlement. Forest composition varied mainly with altitude, topography and latitude. Coastal
Wetlands (Swamps and Bogs)
Swamps and bogs are permanently or temporarily wet areas supporting plants and animals specially adapted to wet conditions. The types of plants and animals found
Streams, Rivers and Lakes
Streams, rivers and lakes are an integral part of the Waikato landscape and help form part of the Region’s identity with several iconic waterbodies. Four
Beaches and Dunes
Most of the Region’s western coasts consist of high-energy black sand beaches and dunes. The East Coast of the Region is more sheltered and beaches
Marine and Estuarine
The coastline of the Waikato Region covers approximately 1150km and includes the exposed west coast, the Firth of Thames and the Coromandel Peninsula. Estuaries are
Coastal Islands
Islands are essentially hilltops that are above current sea level. They have not always been as they are, as sea levels have varied drastically through
Geothermal
Geothermal features include steaming ground, boiling mud pools, fumaroles, and hot springs. Not all geothermal features are hot; some contain cooled geothermal water with a
Karst (Limestone)
The hill country of the Western Waikato is home to many karst ecosystems and landscapes. These karst landscapes are formed when water dissolves carbonate-containing rocks
Mountain Ecosytems
High mountain lands in the Waikato Region are found in the Tongaririo National Park and the Kaimanawa Ranges. The area is dominated by beech forest
Join the Forum
Any individual, community group or organisation interested and committed to protecting and restoring biodiversity can be a member of the Forum. It is free to join. You will get an invite to Forum events and receive information on biodiversity workshops, useful biodiversity information, access to other members for sharing knowledge and ideas and help with restoration projects. So contact us and become a member for no cost.
