Action on stoats urged

Kiwi researchers have just found a clever new way to use stoats' sniffing-power against them. Photo supplied to the New Zealand Herald by Patrick Garvey.

Kiwis for kiwi is calling for all New Zealanders to take action during October's Save Kiwi Month against the number one killer of kiwis - the stoat.

Stoats are responsible for at least 60 per cent of kiwi chick deaths.

Although the exact number of stoats in New Zealand is unknown, Kiwis for kiwi executive director, Michelle Impey, says stoats are by far the most serious threat to kiwi survival.

"Stoats are decimating the kiwi population with six out of 10 chicks being killed before they reach breeding age."

Stoats were introduced to New Zealand back in 1884 to control rabbits and ironically, they are now the number one killer of our native bird.

"While we have over 100 community projects playing a huge role in predator control we need more people to get involved. This could mean setting traps where you live to control stoats, or rats, mice and possums, or it could mean offering support to the many people already doing this work by donating or volunteering your time."

Other predators including possums, ferrets, dogs and feral cats kill another 35 per cent of kiwi chicks.

Only 5 per cent of kiwi chicks born each year survive if born in areas without predator control.

Kiwis for kiwi and Department of Conservation have a combined goal of 2 per cent growth of kiwi and are placing a strong focus on large scale predator control initiatives.

"We have been losing 2 per cent of kiwi every year, which equates to 1000 kiwi per year, but we are on the cusp of reversing that decline."

Resources to help with safely setting a trap are available at https://www.kiwisforkiwi.org/resources/predator-control-monitoring/