Hebe, wharariki flaxland and rockland ecosystem (CL6)

Cliff ecosystem

Threat status
Least concern

About this ecosystem

This ecosystem is found on inland cliffs, rocky outcrops, steep slopes, and along cliff seepages, streams and rivers. 

Cliff ecosystems usually survive on minimal soils and are subject to extreme environmental conditions.

In Auckland this ecosystem occurs in:

  • Waitākere
  • Hunua Ranges
  • Hauturu-o-Toi (Little Barrier)
  • Aotea / Great Barrier Islands.
Rockface with small plants and mosses growing in crevaces and ledges alongisde a waterfall.
A range of low stature plants, perched on ledges and in crevices within the splash zone of a waterfall, cascading down an inland cliff-face in the Waitākere Ranges.
Photo credit: Jason Hosking

Flora and fauna in this ecosystem

Cyclical disturbance creates the conditions for a mosaic of successional lichens, herbs, grasses and shrubs to regenerate. Species that can be found here include:

  • wharariki
  • broadleaved poa
  • Waitākere rock koromiko
  • mingimingi. 

On the islands where pest animals have been eradicated, this ecosystem provides a habitat for:

  • kāka
  • tūī
  • burrowing petrels
  • skinks
  • geckos.

On the mainland, only the more common native bush birds are present, including:

  • ruru (morepork)
  • kōtare (kingfisher)
  • pīwakawaka (fantail).

Threats to this ecosystem

This ecosystem is not currently at risk.

Cliff ecosystems provide refugia, an area where a community of species can survive after extinction in surrounding areas, from many threats including mammals and fires.

The main threat to this ecosystem is the invasion of weeds including:

  • pampas
  • gorse
  • cotoneaster
  • Mexican daisy.