Life in the shallows : the wetlands of Aotearoa New Zealand / Karen Denyer & Monica Peters.

"Rich and diverse but often unloved, Aotearoa's wetlands are the most vulnerable of our ecosystems. Only a tiny fraction of their original extent remains, and we continue to lose this vital habitat. The race is on to discover more about them while we still can. This highly illustrated and absorbing book introduces and explores the wetlands of Aotearoa through the work and experiences of our leading researchers.It also explores the deep cultural and spiritual significance they have for Māori, and the collaboration of mātauranga Māori and western science in continuing to improve our understanding of these special places. Featuring wetlands to visit all around the country, descriptions of the rich bird, insect and plant life that can be found there, and some of the innovative ways we can protect and restore them, 'Life in the Shallows' is a key resource for those who want to explore, understand and care for these precious places"--Publisher's website.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 328) and index.

Foreword / Ruud Kleinpaste -- Preface: Getting into wetlands -- Preface: Engaging communities -- Introduction: The wetlands of Aotearoa New Zealand -- Mātauranga Māori a ngā repo / Garth Harmsworth, Yvonne Taura -- Fire and water -- Fish hotels and 'carpuccinos' -- Filters and floaters -- Wetlands on ice -- Feathers versus fur -- The tiny majority -- Estuaries and eDNA -- Salty and sweet -- Mysterious matuku -- Tipping points -- Drones on duty -- Looking back to see the future -- Green invaders -- Hands-and-knees botany -- Life in lakes -- Working wetlands -- Weaving knowledge systems -- Western wetland science pioneers / Philippe Gerbeaux.

Appendix 1: Supporting wetland science -- Appendix 2: Species list -- Appendix: Featured wetlands and Ramsar sites.

"Rich and diverse but often unloved, Aotearoa's wetlands are the most vulnerable of our ecosystems. Only a tiny fraction of their original extent remains, and we continue to lose this vital habitat. The race is on to discover more about them while we still can. This ... book introduces and explores the wetlands of Aotearoa through the work and experiences of our leading researchers. It also explores the deep cultural and spiritual significance they have for Māori, and the collaboration of matauranga Māori and Western science in continuing to improve our understanding of these special places. Featuring wetlands to visit all around the country, descriptions of the rich bird, insect and plant life that can be found there, and some of the innovative ways we can protect and restore them, [this] is a key resource for those who want to explore, understand and care for these precious places."--