DNA test for dog kiwi killer

Scientists will use DNA testing to help identify a suspected serial killer responsible for the deaths of several kiwis at Whangarei Heads.

The latest death by mauling occurred last weekend, the disfigured body found on a walking track in grassland 1km inside the Bream Head Scenic Reserve.

The victim was a young kiwi - about a year old and weighing 900g, on the cusp of being able to fend for itself against predators such as stoats and cats.

But this juvenile was no match for the dog that killed it in a strictly no-dog zone.

Any dog caught in restricted areas could be tested for a match, and, if found to be a killer, its owner fined up to $100,000 under the Wildlife Act.

In the hope saliva might identify the culprit, the Department of Conservation has sent the dead bird to EcoGene, a company specialising in DNA diagnostics.

With dogs proving the greatest threat to kiwi, and several maulings resulting in birds' deaths over recent years, DoC might soon be able to collect a database of dog DNA.

Last Sunday, members of the public found the latest victim, which had been killed as recently as the night before. The Bream Bay reserve is clearly signposted as a strictly "no dog" area.

Kiwi spend a lot of time out of the bush in grassy areas, pasture, wetlands, and along tracks and road verges, which is another reason why the utmost care should be taken near kiwi habitat.

The local community has been closely involved with kiwi conservation in the past 10 years.

- APN