GERMAN OWLS.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 19063, 27 July 1927, Page 11

GERMAN OWLS.

TO THE JEDITOB OT THE PRESS. I have read with earnest interest Dr. Bevan-Brown's letter, and your sub leader thereon, published in your issue of the 18th, dealing with the destructive habits of these owls to the smaller species of our charming and unique native birds. I protested against their introduction, but my humble protest, like that of other bird-lovers, was flouted by the then advocates for their .introduction ostensibly to kill sparrows. Dr. BevanBrown could _ well have included the opossum in his list of destructive animals now menacing the well-being of New Zealand's glorious native bush and native birds. The chairman of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society recently advocated at its meeting that opossums should be liberated in every area of native bush to produce "fur and revenue." These almost omniverous animals flourish apace on the succulent foliage of the native bush, and consume the seed and drupes of many species of trees and shrubs in a green state, thus depriving the birds of their natural food in autumn and winter, and unquestionably checking the perpetuation of the bush. There are no natural enemies to harass them as in Australia and Tasmania. The brsh is the heritage of the native birds. These animals also attack orchard fruits in several districts, and work considerable damage in orchards annually. The New Zealand Native Birds' Protection Society, and all Nature lovers, should combine in protesting against any further _ liberation of opossums in areas of virgin bush. Let us endeavour by every legitimate means to protect and preserve it wherever located in both Islands. —Yours, etc., W.-W. SMITH. New Plymouth, July 22nd.