Preservation Of Native Bird Urged

Te Puke Times, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 12, 15 February 1949, Page 4

Preservation Of Native Bird Urged

SPECIES IN DANCER OF EXTERMINATION

PUBLIC REQUESTED NOT TO MOLEST SURVIVORS

A species ol New Zealand native bird which exists nowlfere else in the world is in danger of complete extermination. Bird lovers ihrong'hout New Zealand, and particularly residents of the Marlborough Sounds District., are asked by the Hon. \V. E. Barry, .Minister ot Internal A Hairs, to do all that they can to ensure that the tew remaining' members ot tile species are not molested in any wav whatsoever.

The, threatened bird, .says Mr Parry, is the King or Caruneulated shag. This very rare species is found only in the Sotinds, on the While Rocks, the Sentinel beyond Chetwode Island, and the no.rthei iimost of the Trios Group. It forms nesting colonies on the surface of the rocks 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 IDs marked .the passing of several interesting birds. In travelling from Queen Charlotte Sound, Pelorus 'Sound or French Pass, towards Cook Strait, several species of shag or cormorant are likely to be seen. Apart from the Marge and small.river species, which are all black, coastal waters are inhabited by a handsome Pied shag, which is glossy black with pure white .underparts. This bird perches on rocks about the shore and is even more frequently :seen on trees: overhanging (he water. "The King Shag is similar in size and general appearance to the Pied Shag, .but may be distinguished by some white patches on the upper surface of the wings and back and bg- its pink or whitish feet. It feeds mainly upon small rock fish in the vicinity of its nesting places, and it is quite harmless 1 to commercial fisheries. It has been absolutely protected for the past 21 years. A more slender species, ■ silvergreywith 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 today 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. These facts have already been, pointed out .bv the Minister in a personal appeal sent to those, likely to of particular assistance, including launch owners, yachting clubs, and rangers under the Animals Protection and Game Act operating in the Sounds District.. Wellington yachting clubs have also been approached,

in this appeal the Minister has requested assistance for the Wild Life Branch of Internal Affairs Department, and suggests that all concerned might also: use their, influence with visitors to the Sounds to restrain them from interfering with the King Shag, or with any other protected native birds. “I have asked these people for their personal and divided help,” concludes the ..Minister, “but it is desirable that the matter be brought to the attention of New/ Zealanders as a Whole. The King Shag, is one striking example of the danger in which an irreplaceable .national asset stands. As vet we cannot be sure that all .our remaining species will be permanently preserved from extermination, and it should be a matter of personal pride to all our citizens to do what they can. to save them.”