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  1. Environment »
  2. Biodiversity »
  3. Forest fragments
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Caring for our little forests

Forest fragments (small patches of native forest) have their own particular threats and management needs because of their small size, isolation from other forest areas and range of activities that occur on the land around them.

This page gives you more information about our region's precious forest fragments, and how we can protect and look after them.

Tools and monitoring information

Forest fragmentation

We measure indigenous forest fragmentation in the Waikato region and how it has changed over time.

Extent of indigenous vegetation on land

We measure land cover from indigenous forest, scrub and shrubland and tussock grassland vegetation for the entire Waikato region.

Keeping an eye on kahikatea

Use our Kahikatea Green Wheel tool to assess the health of your kahikatea forest patch. We've also got a form for you to let us know about any sick and dying trees you see.

Factsheets - Forest fragment managment

Check out our series of factsheets to find out more about forest fragments, the critters that call them home, and what we can do to take care of them and protect them for future generations.

Life in forest fragments

Mahakirau Forest Estate: Coromandel striped gecko are considered to be one of the rarest gecko in New Zealand and are found only on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Mahakirau Forest Estate: This indigo velvetworm is a bit like a worm with legs. Despite it's soft, velvet-y appearance, velvetworms are predators which eat insects and spiders found on the forest floor.
Mahakirau Forest Estate: Goldmine cave wētā are aptly named, as they are often found on the walls and ceilings of abandoned gold mine tunnels.
Mahakirau Forest Estate: Archey's frog is our smallest native frog and critically endangered. Conservation programmes are crucial to protecting our rare and endangered species from the threat of introduced predators and extinction.
[1/4] Mahakirau Forest Estate: Coromandel striped gecko are considered to be one of the rarest gecko in New Zealand and are found only on the Coromandel Peninsula.