For years, there were concerns that kōura (freshwater crayfish) had vanished from the Kakahu River. Local anecdotal reports suggested the species had disappeared, raising alarms about habitat health.
In 2024, an environmental DNA (eDNA) study conducted by Opuha Water Ltd (OWL) as part of their routine water quality monitoring revealed a different story. eDNA traces of kōura were detected both upstream and downstream of OWL’s discharge point into the Kakahu River, including within the gorge.
This finding confirmed that kōura are still present in the catchment, offering reassurance about the river’s biodiversity and resilience. The ability of eDNA technology to detect threatened species, even when traditional surveys suggest absence, highlights its value as a conservation and monitoring tool.
Source: Farmers Weekly – Kōura Not Gone from Kakahu After All
Photos Farmers Weekly
