Whio living on half-wing and prayer finds safe haven
An unassuming duck has been quietly defying the odds in Kahurangi National Park for the past 14 years, becoming one of the oldest known whio, despite losing half a wing.
DOC is celebrating Tūmanako, a whio (blue duck) released into Kahurangi National Park in March 2008, for her long life – two years more than the life expectancy of her species of about 12 years.
DOC said in a statement that Tūmanako was one of seven female whio released into the southern branch of the Wangapeka River, having been taken as an egg from a wild whio pair in the Kahurangi and reared at Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust facilities in Christchurch.
When she was released, Tūmanako had two full wings, but five years ago she was found to have lost half of her left wing – a wound which was already healed over when DOC technicians monitoring whio in the park at the time saw her.
DOC science technician Jason Malham said when they saw her again recently with her mate they were impressed with her possible record-setting old age, especially given her disability.
‘‘Life would be tougher with the lower part of her wing missing, as it would impede her movement,’’ Malham said.
‘‘She wouldn’t be able to fly, and whio also use their wings for power when hopping from boulder to boulder in the river. She also lives in a rugged stretch of river with a steep gradient and numerous boulders as big as tables and cars.’’
Sadly, the only eggs Tūmanako and her mate are known to have had, in 2012, were eaten – possibly by a weka.
Tūmanako was one of many whio released in the WangapekaFyfe Whio Security Site to help boost the population of the area, which now covers 85 kilometres and boasts over 1000 stoat traps.
The site was established in 2003, and over the years with the help of Genesis Energy through its Whio Forever partnership with DOC, the Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust, and contractors and community volunteers, the area has become a safe haven for whio.
Whio cannot be rehomed to predator-free islands due to their need for rapid waterways and rivers. The Wangapeka-Fyfe Whio Security Site programme exceeded its target last year, with a population of 79 pairs. DOC had hoped for 50.