News

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Kokako -Songbird on Track

Translocation of at least five pairs of kokako into Otanewainuku is being planned for 2010. Martin Slimmin has done excellent work on preparing a translocation document and Hazel Speed, DOC kokako ranger from Waikato, gave a presentation to some of the team last week on the methods being used and the logistics involved. Tauranga Area office manager, Andrew Baucke, has given his full support to the proposal and we are fortunate to have experienced kokako handlers available and willing to help - John Heaphy, Carmel Richardson and Dave Wills. An exciting new technique is helping to keep the birds on site once they have been introduced to their new home. Acoustic sound anchoring is used, where the song dialect which is familiar to the birds is played over speakers for a settling in period.

The project is in the early stages of planning, but an encouraging note (pardon the pun!) is that another kokako was heard singing in the vicinity of Line 21 last month.

Wanted - Major Kokako Sponsor

As with all our work, there will a cost of around $30,000 for the kokako translocation, and we are keen to find a sponsor who would assist. All offers and suggestions most welcome!

Carole Long, December 2008