Kiwi chicks found dead in private kiwi sanctuary
Archived content: This media release was accurate on the date of publication.
Introduction
Eleven kiwi chicks have been found dead in a "kiwi creche" facility near Karapiro.Date: 24 March 2010
Eleven kiwi chicks have been found dead in a "kiwi creche" facility near Karapiro. Department of Conservation staff conducting a routine visit to undertake transmitter replacements discovered the dead birds on 23 March, with early indications suggesting a predator attack. Two remaining kiwi in the protected area have been rescued and transferred to safe haven at Rainbow Springs, in Rotorua.
Waikato Conservator Greg Martin said the fenced area, known as Warrenheip, has been free of threats to kiwi for several years and had provided a nursery for kiwi chicks, allowing them to reach a kilogram in weight, at which size they are generally able to fend for themselves in the wild.
Kiwi chick
“About 65 kiwi chicks have been successfully raised in the specially fenced area since 2002 and transferred back to their home forests. Smaller birds are most vulnerable to attack and at least three of the dead chicks displayed bite marks consistent with an attack by a wild cat or possibly a large ferret," Greg Martin said.
"The dead birds are all on their way to Massey University for post-mortem examination which will hopefully provide definite answers as to cause of death. The Department will be undertaking a full and urgent investigation to answer all the how, why and when questions. It is a tragic loss of 11 precious kiwi chicks and devastating news for the department staff directly involved in the kiwi recovery programme."
All 11 dead kiwi were brought to Warenheip from Tongariro Forest with the blessing of Ngati Hikairo and Tuwharetoa Iwi. Iwi spokesperson Bubs Smith said the cultural impact of losing such a large number of our taonga (treasures) is devastating and the set back will be felt in Tongariro Forest for a number of years to come. "The alternative of trying to raise kiwi chicks in the wild is very minimal with only a 5% success rate. I believe the protected area is an integral part of the enhancement of kiwi numbers in Tongariro Forest," he said.
Contact
All enquiries to Des Williams, email djwilliams@doc.govt.nz
| Kirikiriroa / Hamilton Office | |
| Phone: | +64 7 858 1000 |
| Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
| Email: | hamilton@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
Level 4 73 Rostrevor Street Hamilton 3204 |
| Postal Address: |
Private Bag 3072 Hamilton 3240 |
| Full office details | |