The park provides habitat for many native and introduced bird species, including threatened species like the North Island brown kiwi, fernbird, and blue duck. An unusual type of vegetation is the high-altitude kamahi forest, also known as the Goblin forest, which became dominant after volcanic eruptions destroyed rimu forest 400 years ago. A third of the park's plant species are found in a small swampland area that forms the headwaters of the protected Stony River, with many plants adapted to acidic soils and low temperatures.
A wetland is land saturated with water, including swamps, marshes, bogs, and fens. Wetlands play important roles in flood control, water purification, and providing habitat. Xixi National Wetland Park in China contains various ponds and lakes within its waterways and has a history of over 1,800 years. The Pantanal in Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay covers 150,000 square kilometers and is home to many species of birds, mammals, fish, and butterflies. Kakadu National Park in Australia features the Yellow Water billabong, which attracts crocodiles and millions of migratory birds annually. Pakistan has over 780,000 wetlands that cover
Eight new natural sites were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, including Saryarka Steppe and Lakes in Kazakhstan, home to migratory birds and the endangered saiga antelope; the tropical lagoons and coral reefs of New Caledonia, with intact ecosystems and threatened species; and Surtsey, an island formed by an Icelandic volcano, offering insights into plant and animal colonization. These and other sites were designated due to their outstanding natural beauty and importance in preserving biodiversity for future generations.
The document describes several unique natural wonders around the world, including: - Giant's Causeway in Ireland, known for its hexagonal basalt columns formed by cooled magma. - Hvitserkur rock formation in Iceland, which resembles a monster or dragon and has bird droppings streaking down its sides. - The Red Beach in Vietnam, dominated by red seaweed that gives the beach a bizarre coloring, especially in autumn. - Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, comprising over 1,600 limestone islands and pillars eroded from the bay's limestone over time.