Four Kiwi killed by a ferret

A large male ferret weighing 1.5kg was found in a trap close to the site of the kiwi fatalities. A female ferret weighing 800g was found nearby.  It is thought that the male was responsible for the deaths. Tests are being carried out by vets at the New Zealand Wildlife Health Centre to try and match DNA.

Department of Conservation manager Rosemary Vander Lee said the capture was a relief to the Department of Conservation staff and the BNZ Save the Kiwi programme after the shock of losing four kiwi to a predator during April. Rosemary is working with other predator experts to see if anything can be done better to protect the native wildlife in the Pukaha forest from future predation.

 "We are seeking more advice about the predator control in the forest to ensure that the most appropriate steps are taken to try to avoid any further occurrences. The predator control programme is going to be reviewed as we would like to ensure that potential threats are eliminated from the forest. It's impossible to eliminate pests completely as the forest is unfenced but that's why this area is so special." said Rosemary.

The BNZ Save the Kiwi programme started reintroducing kiwi to the area in 2003 and pest control work is an ongoing necessity to ensure the kiwi's long-term survival. The unfenced area is the first example of restoration on the mainland. DOC use fitted radio transmitters to track the birds so that they could have conditions similar to what they would find in the wild.