Characterised by its rolling hills and valleys, diverse geology, Rangitīkei eco-region has and a climate of prevailing westerly winds and consistent rainfall. Historically covered in extensive podocarp and podocarp-hardwood forests, the region now features fragmented remnants, notably including the North Island's highest concentration of unique divaricating shrub species in its drier, sunnier areas. Despite significant modification for farming, it still supports rare bird and reptile species in isolated pockets, with specific insect populations of interest which define this transformed yet ecologically significant landscape.