Threats to New Zealand wildlife

This detailed illustration depicts a variety of New Zealand wildlife set against a coastal backdrop. In the foreground, a large wētā rests on a gnarled tree branch, while a bright green gecko clings nearby. A variety of native birds, including a saddleback and a smaller grey bird, perch among the leafy branches. The scene is lush with dense green foliage and textured bark.

Moving to the left, the landscape transitions into a wild coastal slope. A wild goat stands near a grassy ridge, accompanied by smaller creatures like a rabbit and a hedgehog. A tabby cat stalks through the undergrowth, highlighting the predatory threats faced by native species. In the middle distance, a white seabird flies across a calm blue bay, where a distant, misty island rises from the water under a soft, light-filled sky.

The artwork is rendered in a realistic, naturalistic style with a focus on biological accuracy and environmental storytelling. The colour palette is dominated by earthy greens, browns, and the soft blues of the ocean and sky. The lighting is diffused and even, suggesting a bright, overcast day. The composition effectively balances the intimate detail of the insects and birds in the foreground with the expansive, serene view of the island and sea in the background.