Introductions of the Cook Strait giant weta to Mana Island in 1976, Matiu / Somes Island in 1996, and, most recently, Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary in the North Island in 2007 have helped to greatly expand this vulnerable species' range. In addition, on Mana Island, the removal of cattle and eradication of mice has dramatically increased Cook Strait giant weta abundance. With the success of these introductions, the New Zealand Department of Conservation plans to continue to introduce the Cook Strait giant weta to new island habitats, while ensuring that its existing island habitats remain protected against the threat of predator invasion.