Deerstalkers were contracted by the Department of Conservation to carry out a cull of pukeko, a non-endangered, very common relative of the takahē, on an island sanctuary in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf.
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This has largely involved relocating the birds to “predator free” islands to boost their chances of survival.
In 2008, a similar incident happened on Mana Island when a conservation worker mistook a takahe for a pukeko and shot it. Because of what happened, bird cull guidelines were implemented to protect the critically endangered bird species.
An examination of the 4 lifeless takahe confirmed they have been killed by shotgun pellets.
“We’re very conscious of the fact that the birds are an endangered species and that was the goal of the cull on pukekos because of the damage that they do to nests and to eggs”.
DOC’s Northern Conservation Services director Andrew Baucke said the discovery followed a pukeko control operation last week involving experienced members of the local deerstalkers association.
The statement also said the hunters were told not to shoot them fatally at first, only on the wing.
The killings have angered Maori groups who agreed to allow the rare birds to be moved from their native South Island to Motutapu for conservation purposes.
Takahe birds are often mistaken to be a fat pukeko because of the similarity in their appearance.
Baucke said that DOC is the association is cooperating fully with DOC in investigation.
“I share with the department a concern that the deaths will affect efforts to save an endangered species”, New Zealand Deerstalkers Association president Bill O’Leary said.
Takahe were thought to be extinct in the early 20th century but were rediscovered in 1948 in the South Island.
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The deaths have forced the Department of Conservation to put an immediate halt to the culling operations near the threatened species. The birds were translocated from the Fiordland National Park to Motutapu Island. “I trust that this tragic incident will not harm the generally positive relationship we have with the Department of Conservation”.
