AUCKLAND FAUNA DESERT CITY

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28999, 14 September 1959, Page 8

AUCKLAND FAUNA DESERT CITY

Spread To Suburban Parks "The Press" Special Service AUCKLAND, Sept. 13. Animal and bird wild life is deserting Auckland city parks for the clearer air of the suburbs, according to - Mr G. Dean administrative director of city parks. “There is not as much fauna left as you might think,” he said. “Most of the wild life is in the suburban parks now.” A quick survey around the suburbs supported Mr Dean's view. There are pheasants, quail and stoat at the bottom of many gardens jn Remuera. Meadowbank and Orakei, as well as in the suburbs fringing metropolitan Auckland.

Mt Albert reserve among others—sports a few rabbits and a host of wood pigeons. Duck abound, especially during the shooting season when they flee the country to the city sanctuaries. Kookaburras are spreading from Kawau Island, their home for many years, and are nesting in many western suburbs. Mr Dean says that when he lived in the parks department house in Albert Park he often heard the laugh of a kookaburra.

“The Indian minah is increasing rapidly about Auckland.” he added. “It could become a real nuisance in the city; they are in almost epidemic proportions now.”

Kingfishers and moreporks are also increasing. And there are hedgehogs and opossums everywhere. “It’s not uncommon in summer to see the occasional budgerigar in the city parks,” said Mr Dean. “But unless, they are caught quickly they do not last long.”