Other Species

Whio/blue ducks

In the late 1990s, surveys showed there was still a reasonable whio population in the southern Paparoa Range centred around Moonlight Creek.  However, when PWT volunteers undertook an initial survey in 2006, they were surprised to find only three adult whio left in Moonlight Creek. These birds (two males and one female) were captured, banded and had transmitters attached for telemetry monitoring.  Over two seasons monitoring showed no recruitment occurring as the males spent most of their time fighting to establish dominance with neither forming a breeding pair with the female.  Even with predator control in place a new approach was required.

Over the 2009 and 2010 breeding seasons three female whio were captured and transmitters attached in the Haupiri and Mikonui river catchments.  Monitoring through telemetry for breeding was successful with two nests found, and WHIONE (Whio Operation Nest Egg) undertaken.  Two female juvenile birds were subsequently released into the Moonlight at Anderson’s Flat and in the following 2011 season one of these females was found paired and incubating a nest of five eggs.  This initial success set the template and a further 20 captive-reared juvenile whio, mostly sourced from the Styx River near Hokitika, were released into the Blackball, Roaring Meg, Moonlight and Pike creeks to supplement the natural recruitment starting to occur.  With increased predator control in these catchments there is now a thriving whio population.