Rare bird released in Chatham Islands
08 May 2008
Birdwatchers can now view one of New Zealand's least-known rare birds after a release onto a privately owned reserve in the Chatham Islands.
Twenty Chatham Island snipe have been released onto a reserve on Pitt Island, the second largest of the Chatham Islands which lie 800km east of New Zealand.
The birds used to live on the island, but died out in the 1890s following the introduction of cats.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) said there were only 1000 snipe in the Chatham Islands, living mainly on Rangatira Island and some on nearby Mangere Island.
Both of these islands are closed to the public and the release of the birds on Pitt Island makes them accessible for viewing for the first time.
Only 33 people live on Pitt Island.
Snipe are distantly related to godwits, and used to live throughout New Zealand.
However, following the introduction of rats and cats, the birds came close to extinction.
DOC said the birds have been released into Ellen Elizabeth Preece Conservation Covenant, which has been surrounded by a cat-proof fence since 2001.
These topics may also be of interest to you
|
