Home / Environment / Whale Island's Wild Comeback: From Bare Rock to Thriving Ecosystem
Whale Island's Wild Comeback: From Bare Rock to Thriving Ecosystem
11 Sep
Summary
- Introduced pests like goats and rats devastated Moutohora Island.
- Over 11,000 native plants were replanted to restore vegetation.
- Threatened species, including saddleback birds and tuatara, have returned.
Moutohora, or Whale Island, has achieved a significant ecological turnaround. Once heavily degraded by introduced animals such as goats, rabbits, sheep, cats, and Norway rats, the island was reduced to bare soil and rock.
The restoration began with the comprehensive eradication of mammalian pests. Rabbits were eliminated in 1987, following earlier removals of sheep (1943), goats (eradicated by 1977), cats, and Norway rats (eradicated in 1986). By 1987, the island was declared pest-free.
This eradication allowed for rapid recovery. A major planting program between 1984 and 1989 saw over 11,000 plants from 45 species established. This initiative aimed to foster natural regeneration and support wildlife.
The island now boasts a diverse ecosystem, including native forest and scrubland, and supports indigenous plant species. The recovery also facilitated the reintroduction of threatened species, such as the North Island saddleback (tīeke) and tuatara, with evidence of breeding.
Moutohora's ongoing management prioritizes biosecurity and monitoring to protect its restored state, allowing natural processes to continue shaping its future.
