Forest and Bird meeting to teach Rotorua residents about protecting kokako

The kokako. Photo/File

Those who want to learn more about how they can contribute to protecting a threatened bird species are invited to attend the next Forest and Bird Rotorua meeting.

A talk will be given by Rotoehu Ecological Trust chairwoman Sarah Orton.

She will discuss the trust's care for about 150 kokako (and other species) on more than 1200ha of forest.

Sarah will describe the changes to the forest environment through the trust's pest control programme, which is carried out by a team of volunteers.

The talk is being held at Rave (Eric Bridgeman Room), Hinemaru St at 7.30pm on April 10.

Margaret Dick, Forest and Bird Rotorua secretary, says the kokako is a threatened bird species and a priority for the Department of Conservation.

She says the talk will be of interest for anyone who cares about protecting our existing species.

"We've lost a lot of bird species. It is something we want to let people know about and to be aware of."

Margaret says Forest and Bird hope to get more volunteers to help with the project by spreading this message.

"We are trying to raise the public awareness, and get more people interested and concerned in the threatened bird scene.

"Hopefully it will get more people coming out to help in the work we do that is part of pest control in the Rotoehu Forest area."

For more information contact Margaret on (07) 357 2024.