Before the settlers, before Captain Cook, Abel Tasman, or any Pacific explorers reached NZ shores – Aotearoa was covered in lush forest and
bush, with a plethora of creatures large and small. The largest eagle ever with claws the size of a tiger swooped down on birds called the Moa. There were 9 species of Moa from 50cm tall to nearly three metres tall!
Haast’s Eagle and the Moa are now long gone, but Wildlife of Aotearoa is bursting with beautiful illustrations and interesting facts about so many more amazing creatures in their different environments. From the dark depths of our oceans to the tops of the trees on the land, you will find profiles of all manner of New Zealand insects, birds, amphibians, mammals, and crustaceans, both native and introduced.
Did you know there are more than 170 species of Native Earthworms? Or that we have a flying fish that can leap out of the water at speeds of 70km per hour to land over 50 metres away ?
No environment is left out. The sky above us, the homes we live in, the rivers we walk along and the beaches we enjoy. Famous animal personalities are explored and others preserved in museums are visited. Then we take a look at the damage animals can do if not controlled, and the measures that have been taken to preserve our treasured flora and fauna for the future.
All the while, another story is playing out on the pages. Five endangered long-finned eels are on a journey across the ocean…
Wildlife of Aotearoa is a companion to the multi award winning Aotearoa: The New Zealand Story (published in 2017), and perfect for anyone passionate about New Zealand animals and environment, or just wanting to learn more about them.
Maori names are attributed when applicable and a clear glossary is provided in the back of the book.
Luscious!
Author / Illustrator – Gavin Bishop
Age – Everyone
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(2019, Penguin NZ, NZ, New Zealand, Aotearoa, Animals, Series, Native Species, Conservation, Wildlife, History, Organism)