Endangered whio ducklings return to Pukaha Mt Bruce

Nathan Crombie | 3rd February 2009

Endangered whio ducklings are returning for a second season to Pukaha Mount Bruce reserve to learn in safety about life in the wild.

The four blue duck youngsters were hatched from eggs transferred before Christmas to Pukaha from Whanganui, Department of Conservation Wairarapa spokeswoman Amanda Cosgrove said.

"After time indoors, they were transferred to an enclosure with rocks and flowing water, mimicking the rapids they encounter out in the wild as these four are destined to become part of the captive breeding flock as DOC staff fight to ensure their long-term survival."

Whio are found only in New Zealand and are classified as nationally endangered because of their rarity, she said.

Unique features of the bird such as a streamlined head and large webbed feet enable them to feed in fast flowing water and they stand as indicators of river system health because "they require clear and rocky, fast-flowing streams and rivers with high water quality and diverse invertebrate communities".

Whio are only found in Urewa, East Cape and North Island central catchments and along the west coast of the South Island, she said.

DOC ranger Raelene Berry is excited about having the whio back at Pukaha Mount Bruce.

"Last summer the ducklings were only held in the purpose-built aviary for the 30 day quarantine prior to their release," she said.

"This year we're putting them outdoors at a younger age and it's a delight to watch them as they develop their diving and swimming skills and grow."

Visitors to Pukaha Mount Bruce are being encouraged to take the rare opportunity to view the ducklings from February to March this year, she said, either early morning or later in the afternoon due to the midday heat.