Kauri forest ecosystem (WF10)

Warm forest ecosystem

Threat status
Endangered

About this ecosystem

This iconic ecosystem occurs in warm and moderate to humid areas. Leaf litter from kauri trees is very acidic and a build-up of litter causes a decline in soil fertility over time. As a result, highly acidic soils are associated with this ecosystem which limits the range of other tree species that can grow in these conditions.

Factors that influence the species composition of this ecosystem are soil fertility, altitude and geographic location.

You can find this ecosystem scattered throughout Auckland with larger stands in: 

  • Aotea / Great Barrier Island
  • the Waitākere Ranges
  • Hunua Ranges. 
Narrow trunks of kauri forest with fern and flax plants growing at the base.
Understorey in kauri ricker forest, Okura Scenic Reserve.
Photo credit: Jason Hosking

Flora and fauna in this ecosystem

This ecosystem has two variants: mature kauri forest and regenerating ricker stands. Both types form dense stands of kauri trees with occasional podocarp and broadleaved trees in the subcanopy. These include:

  • tōtara
  • rimu
  • rewarewa
  • pōhutukawa. 

Kauri forests support many common native bird species, including:

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

Kererū and tūī are less common here as they prefer mixed broadleaf forest types. 

Trunks and understorey of tall narrow kauri trees.
Kauri ricker forest in Okura Scenic Reserve.
Photo credit: Jason Hosking

Threats to this ecosystem

Kauri dieback is the most significant threat to this ecosystem. It is important to always clean your shoes, tires and gear before entering and after leaving a kauri forest.