Rangiora the kiwi has been having quite the adventure in the Brynderwyn – Mangawhai area.
He has been safe to do so thanks to all the pest control being carried out by the Piroa Conservation Trust and dedicated dog control by local landowners.
Rangiora was one of three kiwi released into the area on March 24th by Patuharakeke, Te Uri O Hau and the Piroa Conservation Trust. Under a special DOC permit, and with support from Kiwi Coast, the three kiwi are all monitored remotely with tiny leg-fitted transmitters. Photo: Rangiora at his release (Photo credit: Malcolm Pullman)
Katie Gibb, who works for both Kiwi Coast and the Piroa Conservation Trust, has been helping the kiwi monitoring crew to track the kiwi and map their movements. Katie reports:
“We’ve been monitoring the movements of the kiwi since they were released to ensure they settle in well and see where they wander. While two have stayed fairly close to their release sites at Waorahi, one particularly adventurous kiwi, Rangiora, appears to be quite the explorer.
Over the last couple of weeks he moved out of the forested hills and down into the rural landscape around Eco Valley/King Road, then headed back uphill into the forest again.“
Check out the video of Rangiora’s movements…
Katie commented: “Seeing Rangiora moving confidently through the area and venturing well beyond the release site is incredibly rewarding. Years of sustained pest control have created a landscape where kiwi can safely roam, and Rangiora is a powerful reminder that this long-term commitment is delivering real results.”
With Rangiora still on the move, locals have been super motivated to keep up their pest control and dedicated dog control – as Katie says “He could end up in your backyard tomorrow!“
Katie summed it up saying: “The kiwi are beginning to reclaim the wider landscape in the Mangawhai – Brynderwyns – Piroa area – it’s something worth celebrating, and something worth protecting.”
