CHUKOR LIBERATED ON WHALE ISLAND

Taupo Times, Volume IV, Issue 174, 27 May 1955, Page 1

CHUKOR LIBERATED ON WHALE ISLAND

"Likely Breeding Ground" For some years past the Taupo Rod and Gun Club have pressed the Wildlife Division of the Internal Affairs Department to attempt the introduction of chukor, the well known Indian game bird, into the Taupo Country. Some time ago chukor eggs from the South Island were hatched at the Division's Game Farm at Ngongotaha, Rotorua, and it is now reported that five pairs were liberated on Whale Island, several miles off the Bay of Plenty coast, near Whakatane, during the first week of this month. Chukor liberated at Coromandel some time ago are believed not to have survived. The present birds, about 18 weeks old, are now about the size of pigeons. When fully grown the cock bird will weigh about lilb and the hen about 11b. In other words, they will be quite a lot bigger than quail, and 'smaller than pheasants. Greyish in colour, with some darker feathers, they are distinguished by a red bill, red rings round the eyes, and red legs. It was quite an expedition that left Whakatane for Whale Island in the pilot launch Port Whakatane. Led by Mr R. Cavanagh, the Wildlife Division game officer, the party included Mr F. C. Kinsbv. the Division's stnfF

photographer, and two field officers, Messrs A. Mclntosh (Whakatane) and T. Thomson (Murupara). "The department has decided to release five pair of chukor on Whale Island to see how they do," said Mr S. A. McNamara, Conservator of Wildlife at Rotorua. "The birds will be watched very closely to see how they propagate and live on the island. If they breed and do well, it may show that Whale Island is a place we can use as a breeding ground from which we can take the birds elsewhere." Young Man's Bird Chukor were birds that liked high country, said Mr McNamara. They favoured hilly areas with outcrops of rock, where they could sun themselves and live. They were a ma'gnificent shooting bird for young men. "They like you to chase them to the top of a hill, and when they get you there they just leave you to it," he said. "They are very good eating — always in good condition." Mr McNamara said that Whale Island had been chosen as a likely breeding ground only after many other areas had been considered.' All likely spots had been investigated, and looked 'over for cover, feed, outcrops of rock, water, and other factors. Whale Island had most ne&rly met requirements. One of the jobs done by the party that liberated the birds was the construction of concrete troughs to ensure that there would be a good supply of water, said Mr McNamara, The birds' feeding habits had also been watched for a couple of days after their release. They would be revisited periodically to see how they were doing.