Protecting whio in Waioeka

Whio are believed to be an ancient species of waterfowl that appeared at a very early stage in evolutionary history. Their isolation in New Zealand has resulted in unique anatomical and behavioural features. Pictures supplied

Conservation effort results in big win for EWL project

The primary goal for Eastern Whio Link (EWL), a hunter and fishermen-led local project, has always been to protect New Zealand’s only endemic blue duck (whio).

A mana whenua-led group, EWL is also being supported by Blood Origins which is a US-based non-profit organisation promoting conservation and ethical hunting practices. Blood Origins has successfully raised and donated $17,000 to support the local group.

EWL co-founder Sam Hamiora Gibson said he was grateful and appreciated the gesture, which would go a long way in combating the predation of whio in the upper reaches of the Waioeka Gorge, where the EWL is working on the whio project.

“We will be using about $10,000 for carrying out work via helicopters which are extremely reliable when the area is affected by climatic conditions.”

Although the gorge wasn’t severely affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, the region did experience a reasonable flood. River flooding destroys nests and is one of the reasons the area had experienced a decline in whio population over the past 40 years, Mr Gibson said.

The rest of the fund would be invested in maintaining the side-by-side and quad bikes which are used by the volunteers and staff to get around and manage the predator trap lines.

“In the remote country that is the bush of the Waioeka these vehicles save our trappers a significant amount of time.

“This programme and these funds will help make access so much more efficient and that will help us to be more proficient in trapping predators.”

The conservation group looks after about 30,000ha of the gorge. It has established over 30km of traplines  which has helped 54 whio chicks fledge, including eight this year.

“I’m proud of the work this group has done and that we have been able to be a part of it,” said Blood Origins executive director Robie Kroger,

“Our goal is to find and fund projects like this that demonstrate the impact hunters and conservationists can have when we

work together. This project has the potential to grow and bring back the whio and kiwi populations to more sustainable levels, and help the ecosystems be as healthy as they

can be.”