Kōura are found in native forest, exotic forest, and pastoral waterways, but very rarely in urban streams because of chemical pollution, increased flood flows from stormwater inputs, and degradation of habitat. They shelter between stones on gravelly bottoms but they can burrow into muddy bottoms and will burrow well down into swamps that dry out over summer, to wait until the water returns.
Kōura is a scavenger that feeds on leftovers that float by in the water or settle on the bottom; old leaves, small insects are favourites. It does not go hunting for its food. Once food is caught in the pincers it is torn up, pushed into its mouth to be ground up and separated by a filter system that lets only fine pieces pass through to the small stomach to be digested.
They are listed as a threatened species and their populations are in gradual decline, so let’s take care of them and their habitat out there!
Photo Damian Hewitt
Read more about our amazing little Kōura here on the Department of Conservation website
Article: Damian Hewitt
Article Sources: NIWA and DOC website
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