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Two Whio / North Island blue duck will be released on Taranaki maunga on 16th March 2017 as part of a project to re-establish a self-sustaining whio population.
The DOC staff supported by the Central North Island Blue Duck Trust, Whio Forever, iwi and local whio ambassadors have worked tirelessly on re-establishing a self-sustaining whio population within the Egmont National Park. The local population in the park was functionally extinct by 1945 due to stoats and rats. The population was reintroduced using birds reared in captivity, boosted by WHIONE (Whio Operation Nest Egg) and the survival of wild chicks from successful breeding seasons. The first successful breeding was recorded in 2005 after a trapping programme began in 2003. The predator programme in the park covers 7,500 hectares, using 1,160 double-set DOC200 traps to provide adequate protection for breeding whio. Traps are checked by DOC rangers and dedicated volunteers fortnightly over the peak breeding months when ducklings are most vulnerable. From extinction in the 1990s there are currently 33 confirmed pairs on the monitored rivers and a census conducted in 2015 using dog teams counted a total of 86 birds.
Date
16th March 2017 (backup date of 17th March 2017 in case of bad weather)
Time
TBC
Meeting place
Mangaoraka carpark for karakia (Egmont Road, first carpark on the left as you enter the park)
Release site
Ngatoronui / Ngatoro-iti Stream – The hikoi into the release site is approximately a 2-hour return trip, with some banks to climb up and down so suitable footwear and clothing is required and a moderate level of fitness.
The whio
2 males gifted from a captive breeding population in Turangi. We’ve been told they are big and strong with feisty attitudes
If you or your whānau would like to attend contact Sera Gibson at sera@teatiawa.iwi.nz or on 027 225 0025.