The Southland Plains and Waituna Ecological Districts together form Makarewa. The large, farmed Southland Plains still contain important pockets of tussockland and forest, serving as a key breeding area for birds like the Banded Dotterel. The smaller Waituna Ecological District, despite extensive drainage, is defined by its internationally significant peat swamps and lagoons, which are vital habitats for numerous wetland and shorebird species, including the Fernbird and bittern.