Kiwi stuns sceptics

Press, 27 February 1986, Page 16

Kiwi stuns sceptics

The kiwi is confounding the sceptics by flouring in pine plantations at Waitangi Forest, Northland. Recent studies have shown that kiwi numbers in the 3090 ha forest between Kerikeri and Waitangi have risen from an estimated 400 birds in 1972 to 1200. The Forest Service has adjusted some of its management practices to help ensure that the kiwis survive in their exotic environment Ring-burning during bum-offs has ceased, but otherwise pine forest management generally

fits in with the kiwis’ lifestyle, according to a Waitangi Forest ranger, Mr Soren Olsen. Logging presented some risk to the kiwis, he said. “Dogs are the biggest threat to the kiwis and four kiwi deaths related to dogs have occurred during the last five years. Strict banning of dogs in the forest is in force,” he said. Pine forests have been described as “biological deserts” by the sceptics. “We have organised some popular kiwi night walks for visitors during

our summer programme, and on 10 of the 12 walks people have been able to see and hear the kiwis.”