Soldiers from 2nd/1st Battalion, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (2/1 RNZIR) in Burnham have contributed significant conservation work to Te Maruia Waka Huia special biodiversity area, northeast of Greymouth on the South Island’s West Coast.
From 4-8 November, the 24 army personnel worked in challenging weather conditions to upgrade a critical trapping network. The battalion built 83 trap boxes, cut and cleared nine kilometres of overgrowth on an existing trapline, carried in the new trap boxes to replace the old trap boxes, swapped the internal trap mechanisms, and carried out the old traps.
On completion of that work, they went on to cut a new seven-kilometre trapline and moved 61 existing traps onto the new line.
Chris Hickford, Greymouth District Operations Manager says that keeping the job of protecting the many rare animal and plant species of Te Maruia is a massive effort.
“The help from 2/1 RNZIR has made a significant contribution to the protection of biodiversity in the area.”
Te Maruia Waka Huia is a stronghold for native and endemic species. Tomtit, rifleman, robin, tūi, fernbird, silvereye, grey warbler, bellbird, kaka and kākāriki are all found in good numbers in this area of forest, thanks to regular predator control operations including this intensive predator trapping network.
Warrant Officer Class Two Adrian Christie said the work they have assisted with is not only great training for soldiers but also benefits the local community.
“It assists our newest soldiers with navigation, carrying their packs, surviving and working in the close country environment. It also gives them personal satisfaction of doing a worthwhile job for the community.
“In addition it helps DOC out, which is great for us because they help provide us with some of their best training areas in the South Island.”
Rangers with the Predator Free South Westland project spotted the kiwi on recently analysed trail camera footage in the Whataroa River area, about 15 kilometres away from where most of the kiwi live, in the Ōkārito Forest.
Rowi spotted on trail camera footage about 15 km from where most of the kiwi live Image: DOC
DOC Principal Science Advisor Hugh Robertson says the rowi has most likely “moved” to the Whataroa River area because “home” at Ōkārito is getting busy.
“The fantastic work done by DOC’s Franz Josef staff increased the population from about 160 birds in the early 1990s to over 600 birds by 2022, and the population continues to grow.
“With the population pressure building in Ōkārito, they are now spreading their tiny wings and wandering further afield in search of their own territory.”
In the past, management of the kiwi population focused on efforts to grow the population by removing eggs from the forest for safe hatching and rearing.
But now that Ōkārito forest is part of the Predator Free South Westland project, kiwi are able to raise their own chicks into adulthood. This has resulted in population growth, and the expansion of kiwi habitat.
Fortunately, the area the kiwi has moved into is also part of the Predator Free South Westland project area, which is managed to stop re-incursion of stoats, rats and possums, making it better habitat for kiwi.
Duncan Kay, Operations Director for Zero Invasive Predators (ZIP), who manage the Predator Free project says, “ZIP is maintaining about 85,000 hectares as predator-free in South Westland, and the mahi of the last four years is bearing fruit.
“This is the predator-free dream becoming a reality – seeing birds like rowi not just surviving, but spreading out and being comfortable in the landscape that is their natural home.”
DOC Avian Avoidance Trainer Anya Kruszewski is keen for people who live in the area with dogs to enrol in upcoming kiwi avoidance training.
“As the area where kiwi live grows, and as kiwi are exploring, there are more opportunities for dogs to be in contact with kiwi. Any dog is capable of killing a kiwi, and avoidance training can help reduce this risk, though dogs always will need close supervision in areas where kiwi are found.”
Visit the Kiwi Avoidance Training website to register for a course in South Westland. The first course is coming up this Thursday 17 October: Kiwi Avoidance Training
Background information
Rowi had declined to a single population of just 160 birds in the 1990s, when efforts to prevent their extinction started.
Since that time, the population has grown to more than 600 birds, mostly with the help of intensive breeding intervention programme Operation Nest Egg. Kiwi eggs are removed from their nests for safe hatching and rearing until they reach a safe weight of around 1.2kg and are returned to the wild.
In 2018, in response to growing rowi numbers in the Ōkārito forests, rowi were introduced to the Omoeroa ranges between Fox Glacier and Franz Josef, part of their historical distribution area.
DOC Senior Biodiversity Ranger Kev Carter says the new chicks are being guarded by both parents.
“It takes 30 days for pukunui eggs to hatch. The female sits on the nest by day and the male at night. Once chicks are hatched both parents feed them throughout their fledgling stage for about six weeks, until they can fly.
“Sadly, the lifespan of pukunui is often cut short as they’re killed by predators. The males are at particular risk as they sit on nests at night when feral cats are most active.”
There are just 101 pukunui left in the world and they only breed on the mountain tops of Rakiura, from September until January, and feed on some estuaries/beaches in Southland and on Rakiura during the winter.
“The past five years have seen a worrying decline in pukunui numbers from 170 to the current 101,” says Kev.
“Rakiura is the final refuge of pukunui but they are under threat from feral cats, rats, possums, white tailed deer, spur wing plover, black backed gulls and Australasian harriers.
“Seven nests have been found so far this season, which is a good start, and we expect to find more throughout November. We are working hard to give pukunui the best breeding season we can.”
So far, a total of 38 feral cats have been trapped across mountain breeding sites and nearby forested areas. This is a record number for the team.
Two Australasian harriers and a white-tailed deer have also been removed and many rats and possums have been caught in traps.
DOC has hired two new rangers for full-time pukunui recovery work for six months, to intensify trapping efforts over the breeding season.
“We are throwing everything at this,” says Kev, “and we are so grateful to the many New Zealanders who are helping our efforts by donating to the Southern Dotterel/ Pukunui Recovery Project through the New Zealand Nature Fund.”
Around $430,000 has been raised by donations to NZ Nature Fund so far, boosting pest control efforts in remote pukunui breeding habitats and funding species monitoring and research.
“Seeing the two new pukunui chicks hatched this week has made our team very happy and along with all those who support this special species, we look forward to seeing many more.”
Pukunui/southern NZ dotterels differ from the beach nesting tūturiwhatu/northern NZ dotterels as they breed on remote mountain tops. Southern birds are heavier and darker in colouration.
Pukunui were once widespread throughout the South Island and used to breed in the Southern Alps/Kā Tiritiri o Te Moana were wiped out by pests and human hunting last century.
A total of 12 nests were found during the 2023/24 breeding season spread throughout Rakiura mountain tops as far north as Little Mt Anglem and as far south as Smith’s Lookout.
Southern New Zealand dotterel/pukunui numbers 2019-2024:
The partnership creates opportunities for donors and philanthropists to support high priority conservation projects which are selected and delivered by DOC, with NZ Nature Fund raising and managing funds.
Donors can choose to support projects to save the Alborn skink, limestone ecosystems or tara iti/New Zealand fairy tern, through a nature prospectus launched today.
DOC’s Deputy Director-General of Public Affairs Sia Aston says we created the prospectus to accelerate work on threatened species and ecosystems, and the NZ Nature Fund can expertly attract investment to these projects.
“New Zealand’s unique biodiversity is in trouble with more than 4,000 native species threatened or at risk of extinction, so we’re innovating to get action for nature.
“There are passionate people in New Zealand and overseas who want to make a difference for nature and we’re making it easier for them to contribute.
“By partnering with NZ Nature Fund, we’re creating an innovative way for others to invest in critical conservation work and help secure the future of these special plants and animals, through the NZ Nature Fund and DOC websites.
“Anyone can donate, and this partnership makes it easy to do.
“We are launching three initial projects – to help protect Aotearoa’s rarest bird, tara iti/New Zealand fairy tern, the highly threatened Alborn skink and a rare limestone plant ecosystem in the Waitaki valley.”
Founding trustee of New Zealand Nature Fund and a former Conservation Minister, Denis Marshall, says the partnership with DOC opens up new avenues for private donors, large and small, to make a real impact on the ground.
“We are in an urgent fight against time and our most critically endangered species need help right now. This helps DOC to build awareness about where the effort is urgently needed, while also enabling donors of every size to participate and make a difference.”
The initial goal is to raise $4.6 million for the three projects which will extend and accelerate crucial conservation work.
Tara iti is New Zealand’s most endangered endemic bird with fewer than 35 left in the Northland and Auckland regions.
The tara iti project will build on existing conservation activities and includes creation of new safe breeding sites, predator control and surveys to understand how this coastal bird uses the Kaipara Harbour over winter.
Alborn skink is threatened by mice and other predators, and with a population of just 40-100 individuals, is at high risk of extinction.
The Alborn skink project will create a five-hectare predator-free fenced sanctuary in beech forest near Reefton to protect the skink’s only known population and safeguard its future.
A groundbreaking project to restore the mauri (life force) of a rare limestone ecosystem in Wai o Toura Scenic Reserve in the Waitaki valley will save critically endangered limestone plants and reset the ecosystem to be self-sustaining.
This project involves removing weeds, propagating and replanting the threatened plants in their special limestone habitat, and creating a forest buffer around the site to protect against extreme weather and weed invasion. It will create a blueprint to restore threatened limestone ecosystems in other areas.
DOC and NZ Nature Fund will work together to raise awareness about these projects over coming months and test donor interest and donation systems before adding further projects in 2025.
Background information
New Zealand Nature Fund is an independent charitable trust that has been raising funds for conservation since 2000.
NZ Nature Fund has raised more than $1.8 million from private donors in the past 18 months for conservation work, including $430,000 to help DOC save the remaining 101 southern NZ dotterel/pukunui on Rakiura/Stewart Island.
The re-opened 1.8km track starts at the northern end of the original track on Constable Road, south of Muriwai Beach. The 65-minute walk (one way) takes walkers to the new end of the walkway at Tirikohua Point. At the half-way point is a natural viewpoint with stunning views both north and south of the dramatic coastline.
The original Te Henga Walkway, which traversed the cliffs from Te Henga/Bethells Beach to Muriwai, suffered enormous damage in the extreme weather events in early 2023. Major sections of the cliffs collapsed which destroyed large sections of the track says DOC Tāmaki Makaurau Operations Manager Rebecca Rush.
“The full coastal track had suffered from severe landslides over several years making it no longer a resilient, safe or sustainable place to rebuild the track.
“The new viewpoint gives walkers a destination to reach, and a place to take in the beauty of the rugged west coast of Auckland – the main attraction of the original walkway. We anticipate Aucklanders of a range of ages and fitness levels will enjoy this shorter track.”
Rebecca reminds the public the old walkway, from Tirikohua Point south to Bethells Beach is closed and impassable with many large sections wiped out by significant landslips.
Edward Ashby, CEO of Te Kawerau Iwi Tiaki Trust says giving people the opportunity to experience the west coast’s magnificent landscape helps connect people to nature and is a welcome solution for the damaged track.
“While the total loss of large sections of the track was devastating for the iwi and community, particularly given the wider impacts to locals from the 2023 weather events, the solution of a shorter track provides some positive recreation and access for people.
“The area is of immense spiritual significance to Te Kawerau ā Maki as a traditional pathway between Muriwai and Te Henga that includes some of our most ancient pūrākau (stories), major pā, peace-making sites, iwi lands such as Parihoa and Te Henga blocks, and the nearby location of our planned marae at Te Henga.
“We’re working with DOC to consider a new name for this shortened walk to reflect the history and beauty of the place.”
Te Henga Walkway suffered around 20 landslides during summer 2023. Major sections of cliff collapsed destroying large lengths of track. The storms also took out one bridge at the Bethells Beach end of the original walkway and one on the hillside. An average of 30,000 visitors used to hike the Te Henga Walkway each year.
2023 North Island weather events including Cyclone Gabrielle
DOC received $12.6 million to help fix up nature, heritage, and visitor sites in the North Island that were damaged in the North Island weather events.
89 per cent of the visitor sites affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, and that were funded, have been repaired, supported, or reopened in some way.
Most ecosystems are slowly recovering from the cyclone, and efforts are being made to help endangered species in certain areas. Recovery work is still ongoing, and more resources are needed to deal with the loss of plants and animals, as well as damage to cultural, heritage, and visitor sites.
Te Kawerau ā Maki
Te Kawerau ā Maki are the West Auckland based iwi with shared interests over the northern half of the Auckland Region. Their heartland is the Waitākere Ranges where their marae is planned to be rebuilt at Te Henga. Further information about the iwi can be found at www.tekawerau.iwi
Before we get started, let me address the truly confusing fact that teal is both a colour and a bird. It seems the bird came first, and the colour is based on that Eurasian bird. My question is: if we continue our groundbreaking naming of teals in New Zealand (brown teal, grey teal), what happens if we find a teal-coloured teal? Moving on…
Pāteke/Brown teal
Honestly, ornithologists (bird-nerds) are pretty uncreative with their names. Brown teal indeed. Pāteke are ADORABLE. I think it’s the wee white ring around their eye. Oh, and may I introduce the ducklings?
A pāteke family at Auckland Zoo. Image credit: Aja Pendergrast/Auckland Zoo.
Like the mallards in Episode 1, these are dabblers (it’s a popular pastime); pāteke have seriously low numbers but are listed as at risk-recovering, thanks to some excellent conservation efforts. In places where they don’t have specific conservation efforts, they’re still vulnerable to habitat loss and predation.
Up close they are unmistakeable, but from a distance pāteke may appear similar to other ducks. Look out for a duck smaller than a mallard flying low and fast over water, most commonly around the northern half of the North Island.
See a brown looking teal with a white eye-ring on mainland New Zealand? It’s probably a pāteke. Image credit: Paul Jansen/DOC.
The case of pāteke v mallard on Aotea Great Barrier Island
In a troubling turn of events, the pāteke population on Aotea is under threat from the insurgent mallard population. Prosecutors claim introduced mallards are outbreeding the endemic pāteke, with the injury centred on humans artificially increasing mallard success by feeding them. The judge has not ordered any recompense, but humans are reminded to avoid feeding any wild bird and continue to be ‘decent to ducks’ (more below).
Tētē/grey teal
Aussie cousins of our teals, grey teal are now considered native and aren’t threatened. Grey teal are nomadic dabblers with one stand-out feature – brilliant red eyes. Despite their alarming gaze, experts assure me they are not vampires, but feed on insects, molluscs and seeds. I’m still not inviting one in at nighttime.
Easily confused with the occasional visitor the chestnut teal.
With eyes like that, surely grey ducks are up to no good? Image credit: Paul Jansen/DOC.
WAY down South
Two endemic teals live on our subantarctic islands, and both are flightless so don’t expect to be seeing them in your backyard anytime soon (or anywhere else in the world). Auckland Island and Campbell Island teals are each similar in appearance to their mainland cousin the pāteke. Your best bet for identification is location – see a brown-looking teal? Check what island you are on, and you probably have your answer! Campbell Island teal are among the world’s rarest ducks, fortunately now increasing thanks to rat eradication on their home ground.
Te Whatanui Winiata, Chair of the Kaitiaki Board who administer the island, is pleased the island will be accessible for mana whenua and the public in time for summer.
“The kaitiakitanga of the island is paramount,” says Te Whatanui. “Mātiu is a haven in the heart of Te Whanganui a Tara. We’re looking forward to the future, with Matiu remaining accessible for all uri, kaitiaki, and visitors to experience.”
In addition to this new wharf, there are changes to biosecurity procedures to help protect native species on the island, and continue its pest-free status. Angus Hulme-Moir, DOC Operations Manager for Kapiti-Wellington, says it’s critical to keep pests off the islands.
“Mātiu/Somes Island is home to nesting populations of kororā and kākāriki, as well as rare species like tuatara and wētā, while also being a popular destination for tourists and locals alike,” says Angus. “DOC manages the island on behalf of the Kaitiaki Board, and we will work with visitors to ensure they understand the importance of keeping these species safe.”
East By West Ferries will recommence its ferry services to Mātiu/Somes as soon as the island is open again.
“Mātiu/Somes is one of the most accessible of New Zealand’s island sanctuaries, and it is a significant part of our business each year – so we are excited to take visitors out again after a gap of several months.” says Mat Jonsson, General Manager at East By West.
“As the island reopens to the public, we have worked hard with mana whenua and DOC on a model for sustainable visitation to Mātiu/Somes Island, and we’re pleased to be able to introduce online bookings to coincide with reopening and hopefully a busy summer”.
Work on the rebuild of Mātiu/Somes Island’s wharf, by Brian Perry Civil, began in February 2024, and has been completed both on time and on budget.
Mātiu/Somes Island is a predator-free scientific reserve. It is also a historic reserve with a rich multicultural history.
The island is owned by local iwi (Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika). It is governed by a Kaitiaki Board and managed by DOC.
Since pests were eradicated, the island has become a sanctuary for native plants, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates including tuatara, kākāriki, North Island robin, little blue penguins, and wētā.
With outstanding human and natural history, Ōkārito on the South Island’s West Coast, will become the 28th site in the growing Tohu Whenua network.
Representatives from Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio, the Ōkārito Community Association, Tohu Whenua, Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Toanga, DOC, and Manatū Taonga the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, joined local school students to celebrate the area’s diverse history.
Ōkārito is an important place for Māori, Te Rūnanga o Makaawhio chairman Paul Madgwick says. “Ōkārito holds a special place in the history of Ngāi Tahu and also our earlier whakapapa of Ngāti Wairangi, Patea and Waitaha, and so Ngāti Māhaki are thrilled to be part of this.
“Tohu Whenua is fitting recognition for the mana of this place. Several pā and kāinga here testify to centuries of occupation—and war—plus Ōkārito was renowned far and wide for its whare wānanga for learning the traditions and lore of Te Tai Poutini.”
Manahautū/Chief Executive of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga and Chair of the Tohu Whenua Governance Group Andrew Coleman says Tohu Whenua sites provide unique opportunities to encounter and interact with the history that has created Aotearoa New Zealand’s story.
“Ōkārito has layers of fascinating history and we are thrilled to welcome it into our growing network.”
DOC South Westland Operations Manager Wayne Costello says the rich human history combined with the stunning natural environment at Ōkārito make it one of the feature spots of Te Wāhipounamu.
“This is a place of harvest, conservation and goldrush. Today—with the area being part of Predator Free South Westland—the mauri of the natural environment is being restored, making it a must-do place for New Zealanders to visit and connect with both nature and our history.”
To learn more about visiting Ōkārito and other sites on the Tohu Whenua itinerary, visit www.tohuwhenua.nz.
There are a number of ways to experience Ōkārito including beautiful walks featuring rimu, rātā and silver pine forests and the popular 4.3km Ōkārito Trig Walk. The Ōkārito Lagoon can be explored via foot, boat or kayak – giving visitors a close experience with over 70 species of birds, including the rare kōtuku/white heron, along with panoramic views of the Southern Alps.
Tohu Whenua will also encourage visits to the iconic Donovan’s Store, Ōkārito Wharf and boatshed. Bookable accommodation includes Ōkārito Community Campground and Ōkārito Schoolhouse – which is managed as a historic asset by DOC.
Tohu Whenua
Tohu Whenua is a free itinerary of places to visit and explore history where it happened. The visitor programme connects New Zealanders with their heritage and enhances their sense of national identity by promoting significant historical and cultural sites.
Tohu Whenua is a partnership between Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai (DOC), and Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage.
Other Tohu Whenua sites in the Te Tai Poutini region include the Hokitika Port, Commercial and Government Centre, Historic Reefton, Te Kopikopiko o te Waka and Denniston, Waiuta, and Brunner Mine.
A recent survey commissioned by Tohu Whenua revealed that 78% of New Zealanders surveyed want to learn more about Aotearoa New Zealand history and many indicated a specific interest in Māori heritage.
DOC’s seasonal experiences (including Milford, Kepler, Routeburn, Tongariro Northern Circuit and Whanganui Journey Great Walks) open across October and November for the peak summer season that runs from now until the end of April.
DOC Heritage and Visitor Director Catherine Wilson, shares her top advice for all those planning to get into nature over the next few months, whether on a Great Walk, a day hike or somewhere further off the beaten track.
“Spring is a beautiful but unsettled time in the outdoors. Rivers can rise quickly from rain or snowmelt and avalanche danger can continue through spring and early summer.
“We’re keen to ensure outdoor adventures are truly memorable experiences for all the right reasons. We also want people to be mindful that, as it gets busier, their behaviour can make all the difference for our species and places.
“DOC’s website and visitor centres hold important safety information for anyone preparing to head out. Those planning tramping trips should check the latest weather and safety information, pack the right gear with extra layers and plenty of food and water, and let others know where they are going and when they expect to return.
“We ask people to help protect the land, water and wildlife in the natural areas they visit – give wildlife space, never feed the birds, use toilets provided and take litter away with them or put it in a bin.”
“We’re also reminding people of the importance of paying their hut and campsite fees to make a fair contribution and help keep these facilities available in future. Visitors paying the New Zealand rate on the Great Walks will need to carry proof of ‘ordinary residency’ to show rangers and visitor centres.
Catherine Wilson says bookings are looking promising for the coming season with Great Walks bookings up 19% on the same time last year.
“Milford, Routeburn and Kepler are close to or at capacity, but there is still plenty of space available across the network of 11 walks.
“International bookings are similar to last year accounting for approximately 25% of all bednights.
And it’s not just Great Walks people should plan ahead and book for this season, says Catherine Wilson.
“DOC will be continuing with a free booking system for Tongariro Alpine Crossing as we work to manage visitor pressures and safety on this popular day hike.
“Bookings for huts and campsites outside of the Great Walks, are very strong this year, up 40% on the same time last year as weather-damaged facilities re-open and additional popular facilities become bookable.”
How to be a low impact tramper
Make a commitment to Aotearoa by protecting nature, being prepared, keeping New Zealand clean and showing respect.
Freshwater Ranger Suze Harris is based in Hokitika and studies migratory galaxiids on the West Coast. Here she explains a summary of what whitebait grow up into, and what habitats you can find them in.
There are 5 whitebait species in the Galaxiidae family (excluding smelt/cucumber fish, which are not a true galaxiid). Each have their own habitat preferences and unique behaviours! They do not have scales and tend to be nocturnal to feed on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates while avoiding predation by bigger fish.
The most famous of the whitebait species, making up 90% of any whitebait fritter (depending on the river). Highly fecund (produce a lot of eggs) and live close to the coast. They are weak swimmers and cannot climb, so they stick to slow-moving waters such as wetlands, swamps and lowland streams. Their greatest threats are fish passage barriers (such as overhanging, perched culverts or structures with high velocities running through them), habitat loss, and introduced species. Īnanga spawn in autumn on spring tides on the sides of creeks and rivers. Generally, they live 1-2 years, some spawn twice. Like the rest of the whitebait species, they can live a lot longer in captivity.
Giants are the largest of the whitebait species, with the record length being 450mm, and were the first Galaxiidae to be described in 1789. The golden spots are very distinctive, and its colour pattern inspired the generic name of Galaxias to the whitebait family – referring to the profusion of stars in the galaxy. They are territorial in nature, usually lurking in slow-flowing waters in lowland runs and pools, and feast on large insects like cicadas and wēta. Their spawning ecology is still being unravelled by ecologists, a recent study suggests there are freshwater migrations to and from their domain to spawn.
Eggs are deposited in floods during autumn on the banks of dense canopy cover. They usually run later in the whitebait season. Because they require instream cover with overhanging vegetation, they are disappearing from the east coasts of both islands. Some can live beyond 20 years, up to 40 years in captivity.
Banded kōkopu (Galaxias fasciatus)
Image supplied by: Suze Harris. Image credit: Alfonso Siciliano
Bandeds are common throughout the coast, and are the smallest in the whitebait stage, often golden in colour. They are difficult to differentiate from the other kōkopu when they are young, but the key feature in larger fish are stripes connect over their backs, which is easiest to see towards their tail. They rely on terrestrial insects and are sensitive to intensive land development and sedimentation, hence why they are less common on the east coasts of both islands. They are happy in any type of forests, including pine, beech, and rainforests.
The rarest of the whitebait species, shortjaws are named due to their overbite. They do not have distinct markings other than a black patch behind their gill plate, a blue-green eye, and a dark fringe on their fins. Territorial in nature, they like rocky streams with stable pools to live out their adult lives, likely ranging between 7-15 years. Little is known about these fish due to their solitary nature, but like the other kōkopu species, they spawn in autumn floods on the banks of streams, eggs develop in moist leaf litter and get carried away by floods out to sea. They tend to not coincide with beech forests, so are very rare south of Ōkārito.
Smoothwater River is the furthest southern record on the West Coast, and none have ever been recorded in Fiordland. They are now thought to be extinct from Canterbury. The West Coast is the densest area for shortjaws nationally due to habitat availability and decent water quality.
Also called climbing galaxias, Kōaro are the best climbers of the galaxiid family. They have elongated bodies with similar golden markings to a leopard. Their enlarged pectoral fins are ribbed, helping them climb any wet vertical surface. They can be found at the headwaters of rivers such as the Arahura and the Haast, even in the heart of the Southern Alps, which makes their larval migration out to sea incredible. There are lake-locked populations in NZ, including Lake Wānaka. They like rocky, tumbling streams and can be seen “moon bathing” on top of wet rocks in streams at night, which is likely a tactic to avoid tuna (eel) predation.
