Russell Nature Walks Continues Success With Its Forest & Kiwi Conservation

[Frankie A Pope]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Zealand’s Russell Nature Walks is thrilled with the continuing success of its Forest and Kiwi Conservation Project in the Bay of Islands, near Russell.

MrEion Harwood, co-owner of Russell Nature Walks said, “The forest is full of young birds.  We’ve had a great breeding season for tui, warblers and fantails, as well as our rare species”.  He went on to say, “We are hoping that the upcoming summer will not be too dry and that the young chicks will thrive.” Russell Nature Walks is best known for its populations of kiwi and weka – two species of endangered, flightless, New Zealand birds.

Kiwi lay huge eggs that the male must incubate for about 80 days until the chick hatches.  This year, in what is believed to be a world-first, Russell Nature Walks placed a tiny infrared camera inside one of their kiwi nests.  “It’s provided us with a unique insight into the private life of a kiwi and his chick – it’s been wonderful watching their interactions and the following the chick’s progress” said Lisette Collins, the other owner of Russell Nature Walks.

Weka are diligent and protective parents.  They will feed their chicks until they are almost as large as they are themselves and will go to great lengths to keep them safe.

The conservation project at Russell Nature Walks is focused on providing a safe habitat for a range of native birds.  To achieve this, they have an intensive trapping plan for stoats, rats and possums.  Eion said, “these species are all introduced to New Zealand and can devastate our native wildlife by eating their eggs and competing with them for food”.  They have a programme for removing any weeds that may invade the forest, so that native plants can thrive, as well as a planting programme to extend the area of forest and increase the habitat for birds.

About Russell Nature Walks
Russell Nature Walks is situated in New Zealand’s beautiful Bay of Islands.  Co-owners Lisette Collins and Eion Harwood offer guided walks and night walks that give the opportunity for young and old to learn more about New Zealand’s native plants and animals, see them in the natural habitat, and learn about their conservation.

More can be learned about their work as well as online bookings through the website:  http://www.russellnaturewalks.co.nz/

Media Contact
MrEion Harwood
[phone]
Russell Nature Walks
6080 Russell – WhakaparaRoad, Russell, New Zealand
[e-mail]
http://www.russellnaturewalks.co.nz

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