New Zealand had remained isolated from any other land mass for 70 million years. Plants and animals evolved in the complete absence of land mammals, except for two species of bats, and are unique in many respects, particularly with regard to a lack of defence mechanisms.

It was the last major landmass to be occupied by humans only 750 years ago, which is a mere moment in time in geological terms. Following the arrival of humans and associated mammals there have been huge and rapid changes to the environment including many extinctions. Our indigenous flora and fauna not used to grazing animals, rodents and other predators, introduced by accident or design, have suffered greatly. Many of these unique and iconic species now teeter on the brink and look destined to join the ever-growing list of extinctions making New Zealand the extinction capital of the world. The species at risk even include our national symbol the Kiwi. How could this happen?

The time for action is now before it is too late!

And on Maungatautari there is action - and some interesting finds.

Until wildlife photographer Phil Brown found a stand of silver beech trees on Maungatautari in April 2006 it was thought that this tree was extinct on the mountain.  Now, thanks to the Maungatautari Trust's conservation efforts, this stand of silver beech will be protected.