Sanctuary raids wipe out 14 kiwi

Stoats have wiped out the kiwi chick population at the Okarito kiwi sanctuary in Westland.

Conservation Minister Chris Carter, announcing the loss yesterday, said the Haast kiwi sanctuary further south had also reported heavy losses.

Mr Carter said all 14 Okarito chicks had been lost, prompting DoC to launch a rescue mission.

Five eggs in the area, which have yet to hatch, are being monitored.

"This is distressing news because Okarito brown kiwi are one of the rarest types of kiwi," he said.

The loss was blamed on heavy rimu fruiting early last year providing ample food for rats and plenty of extra prey for stoats.

A booming stoat population had a devastating effect on the vulnerable kiwi chicks. All were killed before they were 11 weeks old.

Mr Carter said there could not be a more graphic example of the impact of introduced pests on native wildlife.

"We have a long and difficult battle ahead of us to save our national bird."

About 1000 stoats and 2600 rats were caught in traps in the area from May 2001 to January 2003.

Of seven chicks being monitored at the Haast sanctuary , two were still alive, two were killed by stoats, one drowned and two were missing.

Mr Carter said the losses at Okarito had provided information that would make future stoat explosions in the area more manageable.

- NZPA

Herald feature: Environment