There has since been populations of gecko found adjacent to the control area in the Lenz reserve, and bird recorders have found long tailed bats near the control boundary. The coastal habitats are also very important as they support breeding populations of rāpoka/ NZ sea lions, Kekeno/ NZ fur seals and seabird species such as tītī/ muttonbird, hoiho/ yellow-eyed penguins and kororā/ little blue penguins. Some predator and monitoring control around nesting sites would benefit these endangered birds.

Of the small animal life, several exciting discoveries have been made. New species of millipede, and terrestrial snail were found at the Ajax Bog and elsewhere over the region. In view of the values, the Catlins region is regarded as being of outstanding importance to wildlife and all steps should be taken to protect all valuable habitats. In particular, these include one of NZ best coastal communities of lowland podocarp forests and also a stands of silver beech forests, with high-value estuaries, streams, and swamplands.