If one is found it will be whisked away to stud. In the world of conservation, invertebrates are very much second-class citizens, says Ian Stringer. One reason for this may simply be that there are a hell of a lot of insect species. Writer Tim Cahill describes animals like this as 'fubsy'. Think of the koala bear, or the panda, symbol of the World Wildlife Foundation.
Most people look at a weta and reflexively pull back.
The popular perception is changing. The weta is becoming, if not New Zealand wildlife's romantic lead, then a treasured character actor. Mary McIntyre often talks to school children and other interested groups about giant wetas. Giant wetas, the children learn, are large, docile and unique to New Zealand. The Department of Conservation has a lot of species that are hard to sell publicly.