Search for stoat goes on

Press, 17 June 1982, Page 7

Search for stoat goes on

PA Blenheim The Wildlife Service has been unable to find the stoat threatening birdlife on Maud Island, in Pelorus Sound. Wildlife Service men who went on to the island last week have remained there. The presence of the stoat on the previously predatorfree island ruined years of work for the service' when it was discovered more than a week ago. It meant the service was

forced to try to recover the four kakapo and two spotted kiwis on the island, and transfer them to Little Barrier Island. Although three of the kakapo have been found, one female is still eluding the party. Mr Peter Fisher, the principal of the service, said it was reasonably certain there was only one kiwi left but there had been no sighting of the bird.

The party would remain on the island until the stoat and the remaining birds were found, he said. There were only eight known kakapo females in existence, and it was important that the missing bird be found, he said. The birds that have been found remain free, but have tracking devices attached to them. Mr Fisher said the risk from the stoat was one the service had to take as the kakapo did not survive well in captivity, and was not gregarious. Immediately the other two birds were discov-

ered, the kakapo would be traced and taken to Little Barrier Island. However. Mr Fisher said the main object at present w'as to catch the threatening stoat. The Wildlife Service hoped the animal was not a female. But if the stoat was female it was almost certain the animal was pregnant, he said. Therefore it was imperative that the party found the stoat before October when the kits were likely to be born. Meanwhile, the hunt for the kakapo and spotted kiwi continues.