Saving the thar

Press, 22 July 1976, Page 16

Saving the thar

Sir, —This morning’s feature on the thar issue puts the narrow views of the deerstalkers into proper perspective. I would like to add that our society, of over 20,000 members, supports the catchment authorities’ stand in opposing the presence of thar in our mountain lands. Dr O’Connor’s idea of a small captive herd deserves consideration. Although unlikely to anpease the deerstalkers, it should at least satisfy those of the public who have been “conned” by the catch cry “save the thar” into believing they are an endangered native animal. In fact, the thar species introduced to New Zealand is quite safe at present in its Himalayan homeland.—Yours, etc., B. A. CALDER, for Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society

July 21, 1976. Sir,—Commenting on Mr W. M. Golden’s article in yesterday’s paper I, being one of the many who love the mountains and what they offer for recreation, disagree with what he said. The thar is a fine animal, and only those who see it in its natural habitat really appreciate it. True, in great numbers, thar will damage our watersheds. In some areas even a small number would accelerate erosion, but why total extermination? There are a lot of high country tops with plenty of scrub and tussock with good regenerating capacity that can easily support some small herds of thar. Because of their natural habit to stay on the tops, their number could be easily controlled with the helicopter if need arose. Please do not deny our children their chance to see these majestic animals in the wilds of our beautiful New Zealand mountains. — Yours, etc., Z. VERONESE. July 21, 1976.