Bird Life Allied With Reafforestation

Northern Advocate, 8 April 1943, Page 6

Bird Life Allied With Reafforestation

The importance of bird life in relation to re-afforestation was emphasised at the Whangarci Chamber of Commerce meeting, when the subject ol' re-afforestation was discussed.

In his opening address, the president of the North Auckland Forest Society (Mr. J. D. Mitchell) said the berries from trees give food for native birds. They in turn assist in the fertilisation necessary to carry on forest growth generally. “There is too that cultural appeal to our senses of tree and bird life,” said Mr. Mitchell. Mr. A. Marsden Woods contended that the importance of bird life was not nearly sufficiently appreciated by the people of New Zealand, and not sufficient effort made to protect it. “If the forests are neglected bird life will be lost, which will be a serious matter for the Dominion,’”, said Mr. Woods. Rare Birds Passing

Mr. J. D. Mitchell, speaking later, said the question of bird life was of very great importance. Many rare birds are passing away through net receiving sufficient attention. Scientists are greatly concerned with unique New Zealand bird life. These birds, especially the ground ones, have many enemies, including imported birds, which compete in obtaining food. We have imported animals, such as stoats, weasels and ferrets, which destroy a large number of birds annually. The worst enemy of all is the cat. Gumdiggers and others leave behind them their cats, and these breed rapidly, and through lack of food become very wild. They become great enemies of the birds, and are responsible for the destruction of great numbers of them.

Fires through the bush are also enemies of our Mfds, said Mr. Woods.