East Otago's biodiversity is one of our greatest assets. We are home to a rich variety of native plants, animals and ecosystems that are fundamental to the health and resilience of our landscape. Understanding what we have, what is under threat, and where conservation efforts can make the greatest difference is an important step towards protecting it.

This biodiversity report brings together the latest science, local knowledge and practical recommendations to provide an overview of biodiversity across the East Otago Catchment Group area.

It explores what our landscape once looked like, what remains today, the challenges facing native biodiversity, and where future conservation efforts could have the greatest impact. Whether you're a farmer, landowner, community member, or simply interested in the natural environment, this report is a valuable resource for understanding East Otago's biodiversity and how we can help protect it.

Prepared for the East Otago Catchment Group by Emeritus Professor David Norton and Becky Hardinge, the report also provides practical guidance to support on-farm biodiversity planning and future community action.

The biodiversity report is one of the resources developed through the Farming with Confidence programme, funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries through the Integrated Farm Planning Accelerator Fund.