Mahoenui Giant Wētā - Meet The Endangered
Mahoenui Giant Wētā (Deinacrida mahoenui)
In 1987 the last known population of the Mahoenui Giant Wētā was found living on a farm on New Zealand’s North Island. The nation’s conservation agency subsequently purchased the land and created a successful reserve that has powered the flightless insect’s comeback.
Giant Wētā are endemic to New Zealand. There are eleven species in total, and all but one are listed as endangered. Despite their fearsome appearance, wētās are gentle giants. They are largely herbivorous, carry no venom, and pose no danger to humans. The Mahoenui species can grow up to 65 mm (2.6 in) in length.
Since the 1980s more than 2,000 Mahoenui Giant Wētās have been relocated to various conservation sanctuaries and reserves on different parts of the island. Researchers are ramping up their efforts and hope to unleash another 3,000 by 2027.
NZ TCS: Nationally Critical (NC)
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