Threatened whio population climbs
2 min read
There are now 863 whio breeding pairs living in eight protected sites across the country. Photo: Herb Christophers
The number of breeding pairs of New Zealand’s threatened whio (Blue Duck) has almost tripled over the last 10 years, according to a survey released by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
There are now 863 whio breeding pairs living in eight protected sites across the country – 565 more pairs since 2011 and an increase of 190%.
DOC director general Lou Sanson says the survey results reinforce the decision of DOC and Genesis to renew their Whio Forever partnership.
“With ongoing support from Genesis, DOC’s goal is to take whio from ‘threatened’ status to ‘at-risk’ and grow New Zealand’s national whio population from less than 3000 to more than 5000 birds.”
The whio is a threatened species of native duck that is only found in New Zealand’s fast-flowing waters. They are important indicators of ecosystem health, as they only exist where there is quality fresh water and an abundance of life. With an estimated nationwide population of fewer than 3000 birds, whio are rarer than some species of kiwi.
The Genesis and the DOC partnership through the Whio Forever Project aims to secure the future of whio in the wild.
The majority of the funding from Genesis goes directly towards predator control. Over the last decade, more than 5000 traps have been laid by hundreds of DOC staff and volunteers at key sites across the country. This means almost 1700km of river is now protected, providing secure sites where whio can thrive.
Genesis’ funding of Whio Forever has also helped foster and inspire contributions from iwi, communities, and interest groups to undertake nationwide predator control to protect and grow whio populations.
“It takes a community to raise a whio. The wins we’re celebrating today are driven not only by the partnership between DOC and Genesis but also through the hard work of many individual trapping enthusiasts, privately run trusts, and businesses that hold whio breeding pairs, hatch whio eggs, and raise their chicks,” said Genesis chief operating officer Nigel Clark.
The whio population has continued to climb despite the challenges of a mega-mast (heavy seeding) and severe flooding, along with predator control delays due to bad weather and COVID-19.
“Our growing whio population demonstrates the resilience of the species. But its survival is still very much dependent on our conservation efforts, which demand time, money, and hard work. The gains we’ve made over the last decade could easily be lost in a season, so we can’t rest on our laurels. There is still a lot more to do,” Sanson said.
DOC and Genesis also renewed their recovery partnership on 13 August at an event in Turangi, joined by iwi, community leaders, and volunteers. A commemorative predator trap was also laid to mark the occasion.
“DOC and Genesis are in this for the long haul. With support from the wider community and iwi, we can ensure the survival of one of our most precious native birds,” Sanson said.
