Three endangered New Zealand falcons released at Rotorua Museum
7 January 2014
Three young kārearea (New Zealand falcons) were released on the roof of Rotorua Museum last week. This nationally significant landmark initiative between Rotorua Museum and Wingspan is the first ever urban release of an endangered species in New Zealand.
The three falcons had been living in a hack box (nesting box) on the roof of the Museum for almost three weeks, where they were fed daily by museum staff.
Rotorua Museum director Stewart Brown said it took about 20 minutes after opening the box before the young falcons took their first steps outside.
He said the first 10 days were a critical period for the birds as it is the time when they are most vulnerable to predators like feral cats and dangers like cars.
"We have teams of volunteers actively monitoring the young falcons from dawn until dusk, and doing what they can to minimise the risks, said Mr Brown.
Wingspan director Debbie Stewart said the release was a very exciting milestone in the trial project.
"It's a special opportunity to restore this endangered species back into the city - an approach that has been successful internationally in many cities around the world. There are less than 4,000 pairs of kārearea left in the wild. This spectacular and dynamic bird, indeed New Zealand's fastest bird, is only found in New Zealand, and it is crucial to our biodiversity that species like the kārearea are protected for future generations to enjoy, she said.