Photo credit: Ngā Manu
Photo credit: Ngā Manu

He puka tohutohu mō te whakarākei kanorau-kaiora i te iāri

Guide to backyard biodiversity

Biodiversity isn't just in parks and reserves. Backyards can become ecological 'stepping stones', providing habitat, safe refuge and food sources for native species. Help protect and increase our biodiversity by taking action in your backyard.

Photo credit: Ngā Manu
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Getting started

Here are some steps to increase backyard biodiversity.

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1. Control pests in your backyard

Controlling pest plants and animals will give native fauna and flora a chance to thrive in your backyard.

Start with these resources

Pest search

A search tool for pest plants and animals with information on habitat, threats and control methods.

Backyard trapping

How to trap and monitor predators in your own backyard.

Animal Pests A-Z

A quick guide to some of the animal pests present in New Zealand and why they are such a threat to New Zealand's biodiversity.

Start Backyard Trapping

Once you know which predators you’re dealing with, it’s time to select your traps. All the traps we recommend are humane and meet the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee standards.

Controlling weeds

Tips for controlling pest plants.

Pest animals and management

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2. Attract lizards and insects

Although rarely seen, lizards can thrive in backyards if they have the right habitat. Providing flowers for pollination can also increase tiny insect life in your backyard.

Start with these resources

Attracting lizards to your garden

How to make natural and artificial habitats for lizards.

Plant for pollination

Make your garden more appealing to visiting insects using this resource to help you make a pollinator palace and choose from a list of ideal native plants.

Build a weta motel

A weta motel is a nice dry home that native weta can live in and be safe from predators.

Plant Pass participating producers

Buy your plants from a ‘Plant Pass’ producer and help stop pest and pathogen threats to our environment.

Planting to enhance native biodiversity

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3. Attract birds

Encourage native birds to visit your backyard by providing a food source, planting appropriate trees and shrubs, and controlling introduced predators.

Start with these resources

Plant to support birds

Find out what plants are needed to support birds in your backyard.

Attract birds to your garden

Learn how to plan and plant a garden to attract native birds.

Make your cat conservation friendly

How conservation friendly your cat is? Take the quiz.

Native plants to attract native birds

How you can attract native birds to your garden.

Plant Pass participating producers

Buy your plants from a ‘Plant Pass’ producer and help stop pest and pathogen threats to our environment.

Feeding New Zealand's birds

Find out how bird feeding affects our native bird populations and what you can do to help.

Planting to enhance native biodiveristy

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