Fauna
Wildlife of the mountains includes the endemic Rock Wren (Xenicus gilviventris) and the kea, a large parrot that was once hunted as a pest. There are also a number of endemic insects adapted to these high altitudes especially flies, moths, beetles, and bees. The beech forests of the lower elevations are important habitat for two birds; the Great Spotted Kiwi (Apteryx haastii) and the South Island kaka (Nestor meridionalis meridionalis).
Southern Alps are a scenic Cultural Tour attraction.
Read more about this topic: Southern Alps
Famous quotes containing the word fauna:
“The whole fauna of human fantasies, their marine vegetation, drifts and luxuriates in the dimly lit zones of human activity, as though plaiting thick tresses of darkness. Here, too, appear the lighthouses of the mind, with their outward resemblance to less pure symbols. The gateway to mystery swings open at the touch of human weakness and we have entered the realms of darkness. One false step, one slurred syllable together reveal a man’s thoughts.”
—Louis Aragon (1897–1982)