KIWIS FREQUENTLY SEEN IN OPOTIKI BUSH

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23042, 5 September 1949, Page 4

KIWIS FREQUENTLY SEEN IN OPOTIKI BUSH

Although the kiwi is generally regarded as a dying species, reports recently received in Opotiki indicate that it is at least holding its own in the fairly remote hills of the. district. In high birch country there is evidence that the bird is present in larger numbers than is usually supposed. , Interest in the species was aroused when Mr. J. D. Clark, a chemist of Opotiki, cared for the kiwi which is now in the Auckland Zoo. He sought reports from opossum trappers and obtained iecords of four kiwis which had been accidentally trapped in the Waunana Range this year. Two had been caught in traps since the present zoo exhibit was taken on June 22, but they had been badly injured and were liberated. A few others had been found dead 1 the bush.

Since Mr. Chirk asked for about. Kiwis in tin- district, b<3 has r t I ccived advice ol' P’ore than -0 hauin, been seen in the hills. Trappeij, have also reported hearing the birds chstin.. tive cry at night in the ranges.