A new review on Antarctica's bio-diversity warns that without more caution, humans could drastically change the continent's landscape.

Research shows new life forms have been found in an almost pristine condition in and around the threatened continent.

Unfortunately, human impact like fishing and global warming could see those species lost, if more research and funding isn't made available.

Waikato University professor and review author Craig Cary said everyone needs to take an interest before it's too late.

"New Zealand punches way above it's belt in terms of its productivity and its impact on Antarctic research. With significantly more funding, we could do a lot better and we could do it for a lot longer."

He believes new life forms are pristine, but won't stay that way for long.

"There's a desperate need for funding to maintain that level of vigilance in understanding and in developing the new tools for keeping that system under watch."