Stoat threat on Maud Is.

Press, 7 June 1982, Page 5

Stoat threat on Maud Is.

Nelson reporter Two pairs of the rare South Island kakapo which were released on Maud Island in the Marlborough Sounds are under threat from a stoat which has swum from the mainland.

The birds, thought to be among only eight still existing in New Zealand, are to be flown off the island, probably this week, to Little Barrier Island, in the Hauraki Gulf. The discovery of the stoat on the island towards the end of last month has caused alarm throughout the Wildlife Division of the Department of Internal Affairs. Maud Island was chosen as the place to release the kakapo and other endangered species because it was known to be free of predators. Now there is every likelihood that the kakapo and the other rare birds, such as the South Island saddlebacks and the little spotted kiwi, will also have to be resited in a predator-free environment. Mr L. Harris, a press officer in the Wildlife Division. said it was always feared that one day a stoat would make the 800-metre crossing to Maud Island. They were known to be good swimmers and the distance would not trouble them unduly. If the stoat seen by one of the Wildlife officers was a male, there was a chance that it could be found and eradicated, but if it was a female, and pregnant, there

could be real problems, he said. For this reason, the security of Maud Island against intrusion by predators such as stoats was now .questionable. The island was a large one and in no way could be made vermin-proof from the sea.

'lf one stoat swam over, so could others, so it is likely the department will review the whole philosphy of Maud Island." said Mr Harris.

He agreed it was possible that once shitted, endangered species of birds would not be brought back to Maud Island, even if the stoat was caught and killed.

Two of the female kakapo and one of the males had been tagged with transmitters and they should not be difficult to find, but the second male did not have a transmitter and he could be very hard to find, said Mr Harris

The spotted kiwis, too. would be difficult to find Both species, ground feeders, are at great risk while the stoat remains on the island.

One of the kakapo had been on the island for eight years and the others were taken there early last year. All were from Stewart Island, said Mr Harris.

It was hoped to airlift the birds off the island early this week, he said.