A threatened grasshopper in the Mackenzie Basin is now on the Department of Conservation's watch list.
Brachaspis robutus, commonly known as the robust grasshopper, is under threat because of habitat changes and predators such as rats, cats, hedgehogs and introduced birds.
The tiny grey invertebrate is also at risk from natural
floods events or large releases from hydro dams, because it is commonly found on the edges of and terraces beside rivers.
No cash has been allocated specifically for the grasshopper's conservation, but the department intends to maintain its habitat through its River Recovery Project.
The robust grasshopper, whose population is unknown, has joined 280 other invertebrates on the department's list for priority conservation.
The department has started a campaign to ensure the survival of what it calls "God's gardeners" - bugs, beetles, worms and many other invertebrates - because of the valuable role they play in recycling nutrients, maintaining soil structures and pollinating plants.
Invertebrates protection officer Carl McGuiness said people should rethink their treatment of harmless creatures such as weta and spiders.
"Maybe killing them has become a habit that we need to train ourselves out of."
Links
Department of Conservation
