Kiwis killed

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 531, 12 April 1994, Page 3

Kiwis killed

Southern parts of the Tongariro National Park and Rangataua Forest are a hazardous place for kiwis to live - a fact highlighted by recent deaths which Department of Conservation staff estimate have cut the local population by 10 per cent. Two kiwis have been found dead in recent days which is a major blow, according to DoC officer Tim Mitchell, when considering the estimated population in the whole area is just 20 birds. The male bird pictured was found dead in a ditch on Sunday morning 5.5km up the Ohakune Mountain Road. Staff believe it was a casualty of Saturday night's car rally hill climb. Mr Mitchell said the kiwi was probably the one and only bird they had heard during night surveys held over recent weeks. It was logged at 6km up the mountain road. The other kiwi was, found dead under a log, believed to have been mauled by dogs. A couple

who were camping in the Rangataua Forest heard a truckload of men spotlighting in the forest recently, followed by the sound of dogs barking and squealing sounds. They followed the tyre tracks the next morning and found the kiwi carcass. "Dogs are ki wi's biggest enemy . They can slaughter a whole population in one night," said Mr Mitchell. He said hunting after dark is illegal on all DoC land, and asked that anyone who has information about people spotlighting to please contact the local ranger station.

Staff are also concerned about the rally stage being held on the mountain road, which they believe is too much of a threat to protected species including the kiwi.