The small remnant kiwi population in Cable Bay has just got a bit more protection as “Kiwi Crossing” signs were put in place at a recent working bee.
Not many people travelling through from Taipa to Cable Bay even realise there are still kiwi living there, but now they know to drive carefully at night.
There is at least one kiwi pair living on the coastal side of the road (Bushy Point) but there are also kiwi up behind Cable Bay, hanging on in the scrublands.
The Doubtless Bay Landcare group, revitalised recently, has a great following with backyard rat and possum trapping as well as some mustelid trapping up the local waterways. This is one of the few urban trapping groups in the Far North and it is heartening to see the buy in from so many locals. It links well with the Friends of Rangikapiti Pa group further south, with their one remaining male kiwi.
Far North Kiwi Coast Coordinator Lesley Baigent points out:
“There are many of these isolated pockets of small numbers of kiwi remaining in the Far North. They are often hemmed in by urban development, roadways and the coast and are surviving despite the threats of roaming dogs, feral cats, cars and development! This shows how resilient these amazing creatures are and highlights that kiwi can be anywhere!”
‘Kiwi Crossing’ signs are supplied free to groups linked into Kiwi Coast to help protect local kiwi populations. If your project needs help with signage just get in touch.
