Pelicans face threat during duck hunting season

Date:  19 April 2013

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is reminding all duck hunters that new residents on the Northern Wairoa River are not a game species and are protected under the Wildlife Act.

In August 2012 thirteen pelicans made New Zealand their home, settling on the banks of the Northern Wairoa River, near Dargaville.  This migration is thought to be is thought to be a record for New Zealand.

“The pelicans appear to be doing well on the Northern Wairoa River, however this is the first duck hunting season they will be exposed to, so we want to remind hunters of their responsibility to all protected species, including the pelican,” says Darren Jones, Community Relations Ranger, Department of Conservation.

Resident pelican on the Northern Wairoa and Kaipara Harbour are protected under the Wildlife Act, as self introduced species are protected. If anyone is found to be deliberately killing / wounding protected species they will incur fines and or imprisonment. 

For more information about hunting guidelines and regulations refer to the “Code of Conduct" in the Game Bird Hunting Guide, supplied with hunting licences.  Duck hunting season opens Saturday 4 May 2013. 

Background information

• Pelicans are large water birds with long beaks and large throat pouches used in catching prey and draining water from the scooped up contents before swallowing.
• They are among the heaviest of flying birds, however they are relatively light for their apparent bulk because of air pockets in the skeleton and beneath the skin enabling them to float high in the water.
• Adult pelicans rely on visual displays and behaviour to communicate, particularly using their wings and bills.
• Pelicans live for 15 to 25 years in the wild.

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