Native falcon chicks hatch

A karearea chick from the Wingspan breeding programme.

Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre's first three karearea chicks of the season have hatched.

The chicks, which are an endangered species, are part of the Wingspan breeding programme in Rotorua. Their parents are kept in captivity because of permanent injury.

The falcon chicks will be transferred to Martinborough, at the end of this month, where they will be released over vineyards and olive groves, in the first ever North Island release.

While the vineyards and olive groves provide a home for the chicks, they will contribute to the eco system by reducing crop damage while the grapes ripen.

Wingspan executive director Debbie Stewart said this was the best approach to conservation.

"This is a holistic approach to conservation that brings together research, educations, captive management, and rehabilitation. Using falcons there is an economic advantage to usual pest control methods - a green approach, and where commercial interests complement conservation efforts."

Last year falcons were released into Rotorua's Government Gardens in the first city release of a threatened species.

Other release spots include pine forests in the Bay of Plenty and farmlands in the Waikato.

Karearea are native to New Zealand and are one of only 38 species of falcons internationally. The bird is capable of flying at speeds of more than 100 km/h and catching prey larger than itself.