Kiwi rescued and released

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 12, 13 August 1985, Page 24

Kiwi rescued and released

Another kiwi has been rescued by Winstone Afforestation staff in Raetihi and put into the designated kiwi reserve in Winsiones forest last week. The bird was found by a group of manuka cutters working on Winstones land behind Raetihi and was brought in to Winstones wildlife ranger, Mr Craig Walker. Craig cared for the bird for a night and made sure it was in good condition then released it into approximately 250 acres of land

which has been put aside for kiwis. The kiwi, or apteryx australias mantelli, is about six years old. "You can tell their age from the scales on their legs," says Craig, "and he's a male because he's got a lohg beak." The kiwi was in very good condition according to Craig. Often the male bird is in poor condition as they sit on the nest for 75 to 80 days from July to March. Kiwis lay their eggs in hollow logs or beneath tree roots. The egg is one third of

the mother bird's body weight when laid, says Craig. In the area designated for wildlife, approximately 200 kiwis have their habitat and are protected from the threat of having their habitat cut down or burnt, which is what is happening to much of Winstones land. As many kiwis as possible are rescued and put into the designated reserve and occasionally, when an area where a large number of kiwis have their habitat is going to be burnt, a pack of trained labrador dogs are sent out to retrieve the kiwis and relocate them to the designated area. But often the birds relocate themselves as it is usual for 12-18 months to elapse between clearing and burnoff so they usually move on to another area, says Craig, as their previous habitat has become unsuitable for them. Food for ground-nesting birds has been planted by Winstones in the designated

area. This programme began last year and millet, maze and peas among other food, now grow there. Other ground-nesting birds in the forest include pheasants, quail and guinea fowls. Pheasants are being bred in pens, then released in to the wild life reserve. Wild cats in the area are a problem so a cat trapping programme is in operation. Winstones are planning to open a recreational reserve later this year which will be permanently open to the public. At present a permit is needed to visit recreational spots in the forest. The new reserve will include a dammed lake which will be suitable for swimming, picnics and eventually trout fishing. Fish will be released into the lake once a food chain has been established. An ornamental programme is in operation where plants such as rhododendrons and azaleas are being planted around dam areas.