Snuff out stoats and save a kiwi

The only good stoat is a dead stoat.

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

Stoats are believed to be responsible for at least 60 per cent of kiwi chick deaths, Kiwis for Kiwi executive director Michelle Impey said. While the precise stoat population wasn't known, they were far the most serious threat to kiwi survival.

"Stoats are destroying the kiwi population, with six out of10 chicks being killed before they reach breeding age. They were introduced to New Zealand back in 1884 to control rabbits, and ironically they are now the number one killer of our national bird," she said.

"While we have more than 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."

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

Other predators, including possums, ferrets, dogs and feral cats, killed another 35 per cent of kiwi chicks, only five per cent of those hatched every year surviving in areas without predator control, Ms Impey said.

Kiwis for Kiwi and the Department of Conservation had a goal of two per cent growth in kiwi numbers, and were 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. We know that a 2 per cent growth rate within the next 15 years is achievable with a cohesive, committed approach from government, DOC, iwi, volunteer groups and every New Zealander," shesaid, and everyone could do their part for Save Kiwi Month, even if they lived in urban or stoat-free areas.

Supporters could also do their bit by hosting a Great Kiwi Morning Tea on Friday October 21.

"Get together at school, with friends, family or at work to share a traditional Kiwi morning tea and collect donations. All funds raised will be used to support community-led kiwi conservation projects throughout New Zealand, including predator control, Operation Nest Egg and education programmes.

"Every $100 raised is enough to protect a kiwi for an entire year," she said.

- Go to www.kiwisforkiwi.org to register as a Great Morning Tea host or to make a donation.