RAMSAR-Rated as internationally important habitat

Upper Rangitata River is of outstanding value for wildlife. Rated as internationally important habitat under RAMSAR Convention criteria. A special pace for the conservation of endangered species- notably wrybill and black-fronted tern. Sadly in three years of monitoring black-billed gulls have failed to breed in the upper Rangitata River with a residual population of only 250-300 birds remaining.