Terrestrial ecosystems are those ecosystems that would have occurred in Otago prior to human settlement of New Zealand.

Active tectonic geology and complex landscapes shape unique and varied communities of terrestrial organisms. Around half of the terrestrial flora and fauna assessed nationally are endemic, reflecting these landscapes, our geographic isolation, and the subsequent evolution of species.

Naturally uncommon ecosystems contribute enormously to biodiversity, with over 30% of threatened plants inhabiting them despite only taking up ~8% of land area.

Types of wetlands are rare and significant ecosystems.