Fernbirds can be difficult to spot with their excellent camouflage and shy behavior. These long-tailed songbirds prefer dense, low wetland vegetation where they can seek shelter, roost and find snacks like insects, spiders and small invertebrates. They are poor fliers and make their nests close to the ground, lining them with grass, leaves and feathers. Fernbird populations have declined in New Zealand over the past century due to wetland drainage and predation. Their Conservation Status is At Risk-Declining.

Also known as velvet worms, these rare invertebrates have stumpy legs similar to what a caterpillar might have. They live in shady, cool, damp areas, which are best for their permanently-open pores. Peripatus hide deep within rotting logs or under debris like leaves. At night, they hunt for prey such as spiders or beetles, which they catch with a spray of paralyzing, sticky fluid. There are numerous types of peripatus with varying Conservation Status. According to this Department of Conservation NZ document, three species are classified as At Risk-Naturally Uncommon, eight are Not Threatened and one is Data Deficient.