Too many pukeko are taking a liking to the new plants at the Whangarei Quarry Gardens - so if you hear gunshots from Russell Rd over the next few days, it's all in the name of conservation. Since the gardens were damaged in a series of arson attacks in late 2005and early 2006, they have been replanted with a range of natives. But pukeko are making mischief and finding all sorts of food in and around the new plants, ruining many of them - and giving Whangarei Quarry Gardens project manager David Muir a headache. "I don't want to kill off all the native birds, but there's a fine line between encouraging them and protecting our plants." Around 40 birds are currently living the the gardens, and Mr Muir wants to reduce the pukeko population from around 40 to 20. He has enlisted the help of three game hunters, who have the licences and firearms to kill the birds. "We have to get it done before August 26, before the game bird hunting season ends," he said. Department of Conservation ranger Reuben Williams said pukeko were very common in Northland, especially around swampy areas. "We don't consider them a problem, but occasionally they do eat the eggs of threatened species such as brown teal." Mr Williams said their scavenging nature could mean they would be interested in the newly planted site, especially with the regrowth after the fires. The birds' beautiful black feathers would not be wasted, Mr Muir said. Maori artists are planning to use them in wall hangings and cloaks.
