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Story: Lakes

Black swans

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Black swans

A flock of black swans (Cygnus atratus) gather at Lake Whāngāpē, near Huntly. Black swans were introduced from Australia in the 1860s. They are partly protected, and a limited number may be taken during the duck-shooting season. Research suggests that the swans may be useful in controlling the spread of some introduced water weeds.

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Department of Conservation

Reference: 10044387

by J. L. Kendrick

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How to cite this page

Simon Nathan, Lakes – Life in and around lakes, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/11822/black-swans (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Simon Nathan, published 1 March 2009.