DSSC_8177 Powelliphanta shells showing predator damage, mainly from introduced predators. Left margin (top corner) pig damage: Left margin (centre) weka damage: Left margin (lower) and lower margin (centre) both possum damage: Centre & upper centre, both rat damage: Right margin (five shells) all song thrush damage. Northwest Nelson *
DSC_3375 Freshwater mussel, or kakahi (Echyridella menziesii) our native freshwater mussels are in decline, with populations showing poor recruitment. Some of the decline may be because of collection by the pet trade for use in aquaria, but possible too because of the decline of certain native fish. These mussels have a tiny parasitic juvenile stage that attaches to the gills of fish such as native koaro, whose numbers are declining because of predatory trout. Waipori River *
