BREEDING OF NOTORNIS

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28385, 18 September 1957, Page 10

BREEDING OF NOTORNIS

Removal Of Eggs Defended

“The decision by the National Parks Authority to pennit eggs of the notornis to be removed from Fiordland was made only after the fullest consideration," said Professor I* W. McCaskill at a meeting of the Christchurch

branch of the New Zealand Forest and Bird Society.

Professor McCaskill, who is a member of the authority representing national park boards, was replying to criticisms, including that of Dr. G. B. Orbell, the rediscoverer of the notornis,/or takahe, in 1948.

"I have always, opposed any action on- attempts to breed takahe in captivity until a scientific investigation by wildlife offi-

cers of the Internal Affairs Department bad been completed, said Professor McCaskill “A study of the reports of the investigation has convinced us that the first step, should be the removal of eggs and the hatching of them under natural conditions, hot in an incubator." >

It had been shown that if the first clutch was removed the birds would lay again; also, that although two eggs were normally laid, only one chick was usually reared. Consequently, either two first clutches could be taken, or a single egg from each of four clutched, without any harmful effect on the subsequent population.

“I am definitely opposed to the removal of adult birds'to a new environment until we exhaust the possibilities of hatching eggs and breeding from the resulting birds in captivity,” said Professor McCaskill.

“I can assure all bird lovers that the utmost care has been taken to ensure that the removal of eggs will not result in any harm to the existing colony in Takahe Valley. Thd person who will supervise the hatching of the eggs and the subsequent care of the birds is highly qualified for the work, and has the full confidence of the National Parks Authority,” he said.