Takahe release

Press, 4 November 1986, Page 20

Takahe release

Sir, — Wapiti are native to North America. They are farmed here. These facts do not become irrelevant simply because Mr W. H. Carter (October 30) declares them so. He admits that wapiti still inhabit the existing takahe area. Yet, somehow my concern for an endangered native bird makes me a “preservation fanatic.” It may be, as Mr D. W. Hodder claims, that the proposed release area is not the best for takahe. My first instinct, however, is to suppose that the Wildlife Service knows more about the matter than the Deerstalkers’ Association. An association whose first interest is to maintain stocks of introduced noxious animals for hunting does not, presumably, oppose releasing takahe out of pure disinterested highmindedness and concern for the birds’ welfare. Neither correspondent denies that an association official made threats against takahe lives. Indeed, in similar style Mr Carter menacingly declares me an “endangered species.” I tremble in my tramping boots. — Yours, etc., D. J. ROUND. October 31, 1986.