Whio Return to Rees Valley After Half Century
Why this is here: The return of whio after 50 years validates long-term conservation partnerships focused on predator control and habitat restoration in the Rees Valley.
Endangered whio, or blue ducks, returned to New Zealand’s Rees Valley after an absence of over 50 years. Southern Lakes Sanctuary staff observed a pair of whio during a recent trip to install a new predator trapline north of Glenorchy. The sighting follows years of predator control efforts by multiple organizations including the sanctuary, Routeburn Dart Wildlife Trust, and the Department of Conservation.
Takahē were released in the valley last year, but the whio returned independently. Conservationists noted whio serve as indicators of healthy waterways and benefit from the same predator control measures protecting takahē and kea.
Iris Scott, a local farmer, recalled seeing whio in the 1970s and expressed delight at their return. The return of these birds, along with the western weka last year, holds deep significance for Ngāi Tahu, reflecting restored relationships with the land and waterways.