13 July 2004
Kakapo - National Treasure At Risk
New Zealand First’s conservation spokesman Edwin Perry has expressed concern that a mystery disease has caused the
deaths of three kakapo chicks on Chalky Island.
“Kakapo are a national treasure and the loss of any of them puts the recovery programme at risk.
“The present situation will also be most stressful for DoC staff and volunteers who have worked for years to preserve
and increase the population,” said Mr Perry.
“Given the length of time it takes for kakapo to breed these people have definitely been in it for the long haul.
“We hope that DoC staff are successful in finding the source of the infection as soon as possible so that they can take
whatever measures are necessary to safeguard the remaining birds,” said Mr Perry.
ENDS