Ancient forest – A forest that has been growing for a very long time, often with tall trees, lots of plant layers, and unique wildlife.
Canopy – The second highest layer of a forest formed by the tallest trees.
Conservation – The protection of plants, animals, and natural places so they can survive and thrive.
Ecosystem – A community of living things (like plants and animals) and the environment they live in, all working together.
Eco-sanctuary – A protected area where native plants and animals are kept safe from pests and other threats.
Endangered species – Animals or plants that are at risk of disappearing completely.
Enclosure – A fenced area created to protect wildlife or ecosystems.
Fence (pest-proof) – A special kind of fence designed to stop animals like rats, stoats, and possums from getting into a protected area.
Hatchery – A place where eggs are safely incubated and hatched, often used for birds like kiwi.
Incubate – To keep eggs warm in the right conditions so they can hatch.
Introduced mammals – Animals like rats, stoats, and possums that were brought to Aotearoa New Zealand by people and are not originally from here.
Iwi – A Māori tribe or large group of people connected by ancestors and whakapapa (genealogy).
Kōhanga Kiwi – A kiwi conservation programme. ‘Kōhanga’ means nursery in Māori – a safe place for young kiwi to grow up.
Maunga – The Māori word for mountain.
Mana whenua – The iwi or hapū who have ancestral and cultural ties to a specific area of land.
Native species – Plants and animals that naturally belong to a certain place, like Aotearoa New Zealand.
Pest – An animal that harms native wildlife or the environment. In Aotearoa New Zealand, pests include rats, stoats, possums, goats, and deer.
Predator – An animal that hunts and eats other animals. Introduced predators like stoats and cats are a big threat to kiwi and other native birds.
Sanctuary – A safe place where living things are protected.
Seedlings – Young plants that have just started to grow from seeds.
Taonga species – ‘Taonga’ means treasure in Māori. These are special native plants or animals that are valued and protected.
Transmitter – A small tracking device attached to wild animals like kiwi so scientists can monitor where they go and when they lay eggs.
