New or little-known plants and animals are the subject of a search on the Denniston Plateau on the west coast of the South Island this weekend.
About 50 scientists and 100 volunteers are taking part in a 'bio-blitz' near the site of a proposed open-cast coal mine.
The Royal Forest & Bird Protection Society of New Zealand says their findings will be used in an appeal to the Environment Court over mining consents granted to Bathurst Resources.
Scientists from the company are also involved in the search for insects, birds, animals, mosses and lichen.
