N.Z. birds ‘wanted alive’

Press, 25 January 1986, Page 20

N.Z. birds ‘wanted alive’

Stitchbird. By George R. Angehr. Kakapo. By Hugh Best and Ralph Powlesland. Both Mclndoo, 1985. 25 pp and 33 pp. $4.95 each. (Reviewed by lan McLean) In contrast to New Zealand’s earlier history of wholesale killing of native animals and destruction of their habitat, we now officially pursue the conservation ethic. This means that the taxpayer’s dollar is paying for serious field studies of many endangered birds and other animals. Best known are the black robin, kakapo, takahe, kokako and tuatara. Others Include the saddleback, black stilt, yellowhead, shore plover, stitchbird, taiko, and various lizards and land snails. These studies are conducted by the Wildlife Service, often with the help of volunteers and university researchers. “Wanted Alive” is a campaign aimed at communicating the results of these studies to the general public. "Kakapo” and “Stitchbird” are two of: a series of small booklets which are

cheaply produced, provide general information gleaned from the studies conducted to date, and are liberally sprinkled with colour pictures. The format of these two is similar, with descriptions of the bird, its habitat; some ecology and behaviour, and its prospects and needs for the future. / In concept, the booklets are excellent. A few photographs are of marginal quality, and the booklets will not stand up to rough handling by, for example, a class of fourth formers: But paper quality is good and a school could always provide its own covers* The information presented is g. refreshing mix of anecdote and ’scientific data. The hardships endured by scientists working with these birds are driven home using awesome pictures .of glacial valleys in Fiordland. ■ Other titles available include Takahe and Kokako; more are in the offing. These are a great way to get a’ cheap and informative return on your investment in government