NATIVE BIRD LIFE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 72, Issue 199, 22 August 1929, Page 9

NATIVE BIRD LIFE

THE KE A DEFENDED PRESERVATION OF HUIAS Satisfaction at the reduction on the bounty for kea ’beaks from 5s to 2s 6d is expressed by the latest report of the New Zealand Native Bird Protection Society. “It has long been known,” states the report, “that this parrot is a much-maligned bird, and although it cannot be disputed that some of them do at times molest sheep, still it was being used as a medium for making easy money in dis tricts where sheep are non-existent. The executive therefore appealed

some of our members to state the case of the kea for and against. “The result was a very instructive and interesting controversy, and the verdict plainly shown was that the bird moiusicd sheep on some stations, and would not interfere with those on an immediately adjoining sheex> station. This fact appeared to demonstrate that the bird was taught a bad habit by offal and sheep skins being carelessly exposed. Owing to its so ciable and very intelligent habits, the kea is a great favourite, and the Alpine Club took a leading part in the discussion. The lessened sum payable for beaks will make kea hunting less profitable, and the executive express appreciation to the many members who stated the case without fear or favour.”

Reports as to the occurrence of huias are occasionally received by the society, and of other species supposed to be extinct or on the verge of extinction. “Publicity,” says its periodical, Birds, “is undoubtedly of great value in many ways, but surely when it is used to advise collectors of the locality where a rare bird has been observed it is merely inviting the destruction of the remnant.

“Quite recently the locality where a parr of huias appeared was advertised by some unthinking person throughout the Dominion, and doubtless they will share the fate of those reported in 1912, which are stated to have been promptly collected. More recently another pair was reported in the press, and a collector was in the vicinity the very next day; so was a ranger who is a keen bird lover, and this time the collector failed.

“Similar happenings occurred when the last takahe was reported, and many went out in an endeavour to secure the bird, so much so that the controlling department, which is not itself above securing specimens for its musetims, issued a warning that the bird was absolutely protected, and its molestation punishable with a heavy fine.”