In this section:

DOC's work the Australasian crested grebe

Lake Pearson/Moana Rua in Canterbury has been designated a wildlife refuge to help protect the grebe. is one of the few remaining breeding sites for kāmana, and their numbers appear to have remained stable here for several decades.

Wildlife refuge status is one of New Zealand's highest forms of legal protection for terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitats. This designation allows the Minister of Conservation to exercise discretion over permissible activities on the lake and its margins. For instance, there are restrictions on motorised boats on the lake and predator control measures will hopefully allow grebes to increase their numbers in years to come.

Learn more

Video: possum problem for NZ plants and birds

Birds of prey - Te Ara Encyclopedia of NZ

Contacts

DOC HOTline - 24 hour emergency number

Phone 0800 DOC HOTline (0800 362 468) to report:

Sick or injured wildlife
Whale or dolphin strandings

Conservation for prosperity. Tiakina te taiao, kia puawai