RETURN OF THE NATIVE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22434, 2 June 1936, Page 8

RETURN OF THE NATIVE

Many native birds, once believed to be doomed to extinction, are showing an unexpected power to survive. This was remarked by Mr. R. A. Falla when he addressed the Rotary Club yesterday. It is now an established fact, and a heartening one, to all who appreciate the qualities and realise the useful functions of New Zealand's native birds. In the process of European settlement, by which the whole face of the country was changed, it was inevitable that the birds should suffer. Most of them were highly specialised types, admirably suited to their natural environment, but not so certainly able to adapt themselves to sudden changes. They suffered in many ways. Aggressive strangers from overseas arrived to compete for food supplies. Enemies appeared in their favourite haunts and their nesting places. Little used to attack from beast or other birds, the unwary natives fell easy victims to the prowler. Above all, the heavy forest, yielding them food and shelter, melted away before the axe and firestick of the pioneer. Toll was taken of the rarest and most beautiful in a more sinister way. The activities of the skin-hunters are a chapter in the history of New Zealand fauna that is best forgotten—or remembered only to be sure nothing of the kind can ever happen again. Against these attacks the native birds seemed to have so little defence that their total disappearance, so often predicted, was seldom doubted. The return of many, if not in the abundance that once existed, at least in strength enough to assure their survival, should be welcomed by every New Zealander. There is nothing in nature more characteristic of the country than its birds. The total loss of them would be a blot on its history. Their increase can be taken as a good omen for the future.