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Wetland Treasures There is a range of threatened wildlife in Ō Tū Wharekai.

Ō Tū Wharekai has been shaped by glaciers and has a variety of habitats which support a large amount of wildlife.

Animals and plants living in Ō Tū Wharekai have special adaptations to help them live through cold winters and hot summers.

Threatened native fish

Threatened bird species

Threatened lizard species

Threatened plant species

These wetlands also contain some of the best examples of red tussock and pūkio wetlands in Canterbury. 

A good reason to treasure: Saving endangered plants and animals from becoming extinct and protecting their wild places is important for our health and our future.

Value to Māori
Wetland Interconnectedness Ō Tū Wharekai is home to threatened native fish. What animal is pictured here? Image: LEARNZ. This is an Australasian crested grebe/Kāmana. What other threatened bird species might you see at Ō Tū Wharekai? Image: LEARNZ. A small scree skink, one of two threatened lizards that can be found at Ō Tū Wharekai. What is the other one called? Image: LEARNZ. Special plants can be found in these wetlands. This is a pygmy forget-me-not from an ephemeral tarn. Why do you think it grows so small? Image: LEARNZ.
