Whio, commonly known as Blue Duck, are highly endangered, threatened by predation – mainly by stoats - and loss of habitat. This is a localised species holding territories on fast-flowing mountain rivers in forested areas.

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Classified as ‘endangered’ by the International Union of Conservation for Nature (IUCN) and as ‘nationally vulnerable’ by DOC, the whio – named for the high-pitched whistle made by the male - has been severely impacted by exotic predators such as stoats.

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Once widespread throughout New Zealand’s back-country rivers, the whio population is now severely fragmented and chick counts are falling. 

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We are involved in establishing secure breeding areas for the whio populations of both the Maungataniwha Native Forest and Pohokura.

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These are not captive breeding programmes. They’re about encouraging whio to call our properties home because they’re safe places to live and breed.