PROTECTING A HERITAGE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23671, 1 December 1938, Page 10

PROTECTING A HERITAGE

A doubly tragic chapter in the history of animal life in this country is that concerning the introduction of deer. In an earlier, thoughtless period it was believed that the presence of deer would provide a sporting attraction that would encourage tourist traffic. The increase in the numbers of deer has made them a menace to our native fauna, and, in some districts, to the welfare of farming communities. In the latest report of the Department of Internal Affairs the damage done by deer to the forests in which the rivers of Hawke's Bay rise was definitely specified as one of the causes of the severity of the floods throughout that district. In other parts of New Zealand the depredations of deer in natural watersheds have threatened the native forests. No fewer than 22,000 deer were killed by departmental officers last year, and this " bag" was supplemented by more than 17,000 goats and a few chamois. The Minister of Internal Affairs indicated to a deputation from the Southland Acclimatisation Society this week that he is not prepared to protect the wapiti, a more recent introduction to New Zealand, which is multiplying its numbers in the southern fiordland districts. His attitude will ■be approved by all but a minority of the community, which is so short-sighted as to be prepared to sacrifice the bush in the interests of a few amateur hunters. Departmental observations are that if measures were not taken against them, wapiti would spread ultimately throughout the West Coast fiordland between Caswell and Bligh Sounds. It is infinitely better that this cumbrous intruder should be exterminated than that it should be allowed to destroy large areas of forest in this wonderful region. The destruction which has been wrought by deer on Stewart Island, already very noticeable in the more remote parts of the coastal areas, has also received the attention of the department. It is encouraging to learn that an effective method is being developed of dealing with the prolific Virginian deer, which are associated with a poor type of red deer in the spoliation of this beautiful island. Mr Parry's reply to a request for the modification of the restrictions on the shooting of pukeko and godwits was equally uncompromising. These birds, the one among the most interesting and beautiful of the New Zealand natives and the other an exceedingly hardy and attractive migrant, deserve to be given at least that measure of protection which will guarantee their survival. The demand of the sportsman for freedom to take them can be conceded only when it is subject to such a restriction as will preserve sufficient numbers of these birds to ensure the maintenance of the species. • The records of the acclimatisation societies contain - such dark passages that it behoves these organisations to remember that public sympathy is generally with the hunted rather than with the hunter when the interests of sport threaten the natural preserves and the avifauna of this fortunate country. True acclimatisation must be directed as much to conservation as to slaughter. In the past the first aim was neglected or, as in the case of deer, pursued thoughtlessly and disastrously. In recent years, with more knowledge and greater forethought, the societies have rendered a great deal of useful service. They will continue to perform a valuable work as long as they judiciously reconcile the desire for sport on the part of a limited section of the public with the need of conserving the wild life of the Dominion.