A new DOC billboard in London. Photo: Supplied
Most of us know what New Zealand's human population is, and the Department of Conservation (DOC) says we can now say the same for our plants and animals.
The estimate released on Monday morning is 695 billion.
The figure coincides with DOC's new campaign to increase awareness about the fragility of nature and help drum up funds for its work.
Billboards with the figure are going up both here and internationally as part of the campaign.
Deputy director-general Sia Aston told Morning Report the figure was "a bit of fun" but the methodology was "very good and robust".
"Obviously we haven't managed to count every last little bug and butterfly so it's a bit of an estimate, but now that we've got your attention, let's talk about nature.
"The nature in this country, it's fantastic, it is precious, it is so unique. But the reality is it's in trouble, and we need people to know that because most New Zealanders will say they love New Zealand's nature…
"We have 4000 species that are threatened or endangered with, threatened with extinction, endangered. We have forests that are collapsing. We have some species doing it really tough, and we need to do something about that."
Aston encouraged people to volunteer for nature organisations, businesses to invest in nature, and - for those who could afford to - donate.
"It's about just getting everyone doing their best - not just once but forever, always be naturing."
'Always Be Naturing' just happens to be the name of the new campaign.
The new DOC billboard, in Australia. Photo: Supplied
DOC director-general Penny Nelson said research showed 89 percent of New Zealanders thought the country's nature was in good shape - which she described as "disconnected from the reality of the situation".
"There are just 238 kākāpō left, fewer than 40 tara iti (New Zealand fairy tern) and 4000 native species that are threatened or at risk of extinction; 63 percent of our ecosystems are on the brink of collapse. These are the numbers we want everyone to be aware of."
Aston said DOC has always relied on Kiwis volunteering and donating, with a third of the country's landmass to look after.
"I can't think of another conservation organisation around the world that simply relies on government funding to do what they do."
She said to that end, DOC is making it easier for people to donate - with details on its website.
"It's a big effort, but with all of us pitching in it's actually totally doable."
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