New Zealand report shows grim outlook for many native species

A major report on New Zealand's environment has revealed a worrying outlook for its unique species and highlighted declining water health, while also noting some improvements in air quality.

- Eva Corlett

The Ministry for the Environment's three-yearly update collates statistics, data and research across five areas - air, atmosphere and climate, freshwater, land, and marine.

James Palmer, the ministry's chief executive, said the findings were a "mixed bag". He said: "It does highlight the real risks to people, communities and places, which left unaddressed threaten our livelihoods and our quality of life for generations to come. But the report also shows that there are reasons for optimism."

The report painted a sobering picture for New Zealand's indigenous animals, with 76% of freshwater fish, 68% of freshwater birds, 78% of terrestrial birds, 93% of frogs, and 94% of reptiles threatened with extinction or at risk of becoming threatened.