More wildlife species protected.

11
Jun

Whale sharks, katipo spiders and all giant weta will now be absolutely protected under changes to the Wildlife Act, Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson announced today.
They are among 12 previously unprotected species of invertebrate and a number of marine species, including manta ray, giant groper and corals, which have had their protection status upgraded from zero to absolute.

This change will affect the giant weta that lives on the Poor Knights Islands, and also the manta ray, which is seen over a six—eight week period as a pelagic visitor in the waters surrounding the Poor Knights Islands.

Minister Kate Wilkinson says “All native species are special and have evolved key functions in our unique biodiversity, whether they are weevils, weta or beetles they deserve an appropriate level of protection,” Ms Wilkinson says.

“Giant groper, whale sharks and manta ray are all highly valued, particularly by divers, in New Zealand. The upgrade in their protection status, and that of corals, recognises how unique they are in our waters.”

Also newly protected are Gorgonian corals: all species in the Order Gorgonacea now fall under Schedule 7A of the Wildlife Act, as do:
Stony corals: all species in the Order Scleractinia,
Giant grouper (also known as Queensland grouper) (Epinephelus lanceolatus),
Whale shark (Rhincodon typus),
Manta ray (Manta birostris),
Spinetail devil ray (also known as spinetail mobula) (Mobula japanica) and
Deepwater nurse shark (Odontaspis ferox).

Schedule 7A (absolutely protected) lists marine species protected under the Wildlife Act.

For more information

Beehive Press Release