Poor Knights weta  (Deinacrida fallai)

Although this giant weta is not thought to be declining in either abundance or distribution, its restricted range within the Poor Knights Islands leaves it in a highly vulnerable position. A range of native species (e.g. tuatara, lizards and birds) prey upon this weta, but do not appear to have a dramatic impact or threaten the species' survival. However, any reintroduction of other predators, such as the native saddleback, could be extremely damaging, although there are no current plans to reintroduce such species. Accidental introduction of rodents could also decimate Poor Knights weta populations, and poses a serious potential threat to the species (4).

Poor Knights weta have been successfully bred in captivity at Wellington Zoo, providing a source of research and public education, a buffer against extinction, and potential stock for reintroductions into the wild to bolster population numbers (4) (5).