The Department of Conservation (DOC) is alarmed at reports that endangered kiwi are being severely injured in traps used to target introduced pests.
Last week two kiwi from the Far-North were taken to the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre with severe leg injuries, both the result of being caught in leg hold traps used by trappers to catch introduced predators and possums. Both birds survived the ordeal and were sent to Massey University in Palmerston North where they are now being cared for by vets.
People who are undertaking pest control on their land are being urged to take more care when setting traps. Recently a number of possum traps were found set on the ground at Waipoua Forest, putting kiwi in the area at risk. DOC Kiwi Ranger, Sue Bell, said, “Incidents like this can be avoided if people watch their trap setting and keep them off the ground.” “Most people may not be aware those kiwis are living in their area,” said Bell. Kiwis that are caught in these types of traps often lose their feet and die.
Brett Gartrell of Massey University’s Wildlife Health Centre, is encouraging people to bring injured kiwi in and increase their chances of survival. “Even soft jawed leg-hold traps can cause injuries and severe infections in the birds legs and feet,” said Mr. Gartrell. “The key is to get the birds to a vet as soon as they are found in trap, so that they can be treated,” he said.
Landowners are encouraged to continue with the valuable work of trapping introduced pests but to do it in a way that is ‘Kiwi Safe’. Leg-hold traps should be set at least seventy centimetres off the ground on a ramp (tree/board) or platform placing them out of reach from kiwi but easily accessible for a possum. For more information on how to trap safely people should contact their local DOC office.
People wanting to report dead or injured kiwi or wanting general information, please phone 0800 DOC HOT. Efforts between DOC, the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre and the Bank of New Zealand Kiwi Recovery Trust will help ensure that other kiwi in similar situations have a chance of survival.
For further information, please contact:
Sue Bell
smbell@doc.govt.nz
Office: +64 9 430 2133
Reuben Williams
rwilliams@doc.govt.nz
Office: +64 9 430 2133