MINISTER’S APPEAL

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 78, Issue 7016, 7 February 1949, Page 5

MINISTER’S APPEAL

PROTECTION OF UNIQUE NATIVE BIRD IN DANGER OF EXTINCTION A species of New Zealand native bird which exists nowhere else in the world is in danger of complete extermination. Bird lovers throughout New Zealand, and particularly residents of the Marlborough Sounds District, are asked by the Hon. W. E. Parry, Minister of Internal Affairs, to do all that they can to ensure that the few remaining members of the species are not molested in any way whatsoever. The threatened bird, says Mr Parry, is the King or Carunculated shag. This very rare species is found only in the Sounds, on the White Rocks, the Sentinel beyond Chetwode Island, and the northern-most of the Trios Group. It forms nesting colonies on the surface of the rock and when sitting on these nests is entirely defenceless.

“A species once wiped out can never be recalled” said the Minister, “and already the settlement of New Zealand has marked the .passing of several interesting birds. In travelling from Queen Charlotte Sound, Pelorous Sound, or French Pass towards Cook Strait, several species of shag or comorant are likely to be seen. Apart from the large and small river species, which are all black, coastal waters are inhabited by a handsome Pied shag, which is glossy black with pure white underpants. This bird perches on rocks about the shore and is even more frequently seen on trees overhanging the water. “The King Shag is similar in size and general appearance to the Pied Shag, but can be distinguished by some white patches on the upper surface of the wings and back and by its pink or whitish feet. It feeds mainly upon small rock fish in the vicinity of its nesting places, and it is quite harmless to commercial fisheries. It has been absolutely protected for the past 21 years. A more slender species, silver-grey, with a white stripe and plumes on its neck in spring, is the so-called Spotted Shag which frequents narrow rock ledges. This beautiful cormorant is also rightly afforded protection by our laws.” Mr Parry adds that under this protection it was hoped the King Shag would increase in numbers, but unfortunately to-day the total population of this bird is not much more than 100. A unique species is in danger of extinction, and it is most important that it be given absolute protection.