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Whio (Blue Duck)

The Blue Duck is one of New Zealand's ancient endemic species. It's importance is recognised by the image on the New Zealand $10.00 note. It is notable for living solely on fast flowing rivers, a way of life it shares with only three of the world's water fowl species. The Blue Duck can be recognised by its attractive blue grey plumage and the dark chestnut speckles on its chest. The Blue Duck lives for an average of eight years. It is typically territorial; pairs reside near the same section of river year after year. They nest in river caves, hollow logs and beneath flax bushes. This ground nesting habit has contributed to their endangered status as they are easy prey for stoats and rats.

A significant decline in Blue Duck numbers and geographical range has occurred over the past 150 years. The exact Blue Duck population is unknown; however surveys suggest that the total New Zealand population is less than 1100 pairs.

The semi nocturnal nature of the bird makes observation difficult however their distinctive call can lead to sightings. It is thought that there may only be two or three pairs on the Landsborough River. Pairs of bird with young have been sited near both our camps and the number of birds has increased slowly since we commenced trips in 2000. While exact numbers are not known, it is probable that there are 5 pairs in the Landsborough Valley. It is not known if these are the same birds. The rarity of the species means that Queenstown Rafting has been asked to assist the Department of Conservation by recording details of any sightings. It is important to not unduly disturb the birds on the river and to avoid any ‘herding' that may occur.

Mohua (Yellowhead)

The Mohua, or Yellowhead, is a small insect eating bird which lives in the forests of New Zealand's South Island and Stewart Island. A splash of bright yellow covers its head and breast while the rest of the body is brown with varying tinges of yellow and olive. The female is slightly less brightly coloured than the male.

These birds are often heard rather than seen, particularly the metallic trill of the male.

Last century the Mohua was one of the most abundant and conspicuous of our forest birds and now it is one of the most threatened. Its stronghold is in Southland, the Dart Valley, the Hurunui catchment and a population of about 100 birds in the Landsborough Valley. Until about 2000 the Landsborough population was around 350 birds but a sudden increase in stoats following a heavy beech seeding in the area led to their decimation although recent counts indicate a predator decrease and an increasing Mohua population. Rodent and stoat numbers increase rapidly following an increase in feed supply. The birds are susceptible because they nest in holes in trees and have no escape route. If a nest is visited by a stoat or a rat it is not just the eggs or chicks that are doomed, but the female who incubates the eggs.

Because nest attacks result in fewer breeding females observations can be deceptive, ie at first glance the Landsborough population appears to be reasonable; however the number of breeding females is significantly less than the males.

Recovery Plans

The predator control programme (funded by Queenstown Rafting) is proving effective.

From the above comments it can be seen that minimising stoat and rodent numbers will significantly enhance recovery chances for both the Mohua and Whio. Since November 2000 the Department of Conservation has been operating 93 predatory control stations on the true left of the river for five kilometres above our Toe Toe Flat camp. Up until August 2004, approximately 200 stoats and 20 rats have been trapped. As a result Mohua numbers in the Valley are now stable despite continuing declines in other South Island populations.

A donation made by Queenstown Rafting allowed the Department of Conservation to extend the predator control downstream for a further 10 kilometres below Toe Toe Flat. The predator control now consists of approximately 189 predator control tunnels, each with two traps baited with eggs. In August 2004, 12 stoats and 2 rats were found interesting most of these were found in the newly completed section of line indicating the success of the programme. The Department of Conservation noted at the time, that dozens of Mohua (yellowheads) were observed probably the most since control work began in the valley. A further donation from Queenstown Rafting in 2005 will enable trap lines to be installed for the first time on the true right of the river.

Guides and clients may assist the programme by removing the dead animals from any traps found and resetting the traps. If this is done it is essential that the information is conveyed back to the Department of Conservation for their records.