SURVEY OF KAKAPO

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30045, 1 February 1963, Page 8

SURVEY OF KAKAPO

Observations In Tutoko Valley

Long-term observations on the kakapo, the New Zealand ground parrot, in the Tutoko valley of Fiordland, are being carried out by Mr C. D Roderick, a field officer of the Wildlife Branch. Department of Internal Affairs. He arrived there this week tor an indefinite stay. The wildlife controller (Mr F. L. Newcombe) said yesterday the reason for the observations was that so little was known of the habits of the species. "It is one of our rarest birds, and the threat of extinction Is always present, so that it is our duty to learn as much about it as we possibly can.’’ he said Because the kakapo was a nocturnal bird, observations would be difficult, and Mr Newcombe did not know how long Mr Roderick was likely to be in the valley. It was highly unlikely that any kakapo would be taken out of the valley this season, Mr Newcombe said. The lone survivor of the five brought last season to the Mount Bruce Native Bird Reserve near Masterton was still fit and well, as were the four takahe ait the farm. The takahe had nested again this season, but the eggs were again infertile. The bird responsible for all but one of the eggs so far laid at the reserve was older than the others, and Mr Newcombe thought the males were possibly not yet mature. Reports were coming tn from several North Island areas of weka chicks being seen in the wil' in areas where releases had been made of adult wekas from the Gis-borne-East Coast district. These areas included Maxwell, near Wanganui, and the Tangarakau gorge between Taranaki and the King Country.