Date:  22 June 2018

DOC biodiversity rangers are in hot pursuit of ferrets which are hunting North Island brown kiwi in Tongariro Forest.

At least 10 kiwi have been killed by ferrets since early March, and DOC has put extra resources into catching these predators. 

Disappointingly, a recent routine daily check of a key ferret trapping site showed a number of traps had been stolen, damaged or thrown over bank.  

Tongariro Operations Manager Bhrent Guy says DOC needs people to help catch these ferrets, and the best way to do that is to leave the traps in their strategic locations.  

He said rangers were shocked and dismayed when they found the traps broken and tossed.

“It is a real shame, as one ferret trap can make such a difference,” he said. 

The Tongariro kiwi team have had some success in catching a large male ferret they believe has been hunting kiwi within its territory, however, the challenge continues as ferrets are still targeting kiwi.  

Owhango Alive, an active community group, continues to help save the kiwi and has put out over 30 new DOC 200 traps that were given to them by the rangers.

Also, one farmer has caught 11 ferrets in the last nine months.  

If you are keen to help save the kiwi in Tongariro Forest, please email sfaire@doc.govt.nz 

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