Shore plover birds get 'essential' flight to new home in Wellington
Tuesday, 14 April 2020
Rare and endangered birds are flying more than New Zealanders during the lockdown.
At Easter five tūturuatu (shore plovers) enjoyed an 'essential' flight to their new home on Mana Island, near Wellington.
Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage said 'serious animal welfare risks' for the birds justified their flight during coronavirus lockdown.
'A review found that delaying the transfer further would have serious implications for the welfare of the birds and the health of the whole population.'
**READ MORE:
* 'Extremely rare' bird photographed in Wellington during lockdown silence
* Native birds explore empty Wellington during coronavirus lockdown
* Too many kākā? What nonsense**
The juvenile birds had been held in a small aviary at the Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust, in Christchurch.
'There are just 250 of these birds left in the world,' Sage said.
'These juveniles are a critical part of attempts to establish a self-sustaining population on pest-free Mana Island so numbers can grow.'
Tūturuatu are considered a threatened and nationally critical bird. Their survival relies on island biosecurity, captive breeding and translocations to predator-free islands.
Sage said careful planning went in to the flight for the five birds during the lockdown restrictions.
The process meant high-level biosecurity and appropriate personal protective equipment to look after the birds, and prevent the spread of Covid-19..
Almost all of the Department of Conservation's outdoor field work is on hold during the Covid-19 Alert Level 4 lockdown, however the department does work where needed to meet significant animal welfare, including essential care for some rare species in captive facilities.
The flight was supported by Air New Zealand and the Isaac Conservation and Wildlife Trust.