Rotorua Museum seeking volunteers
Pictured: Museum volunteer and an adult kārearea - New Zealand native falcon [photo Bill Hedges]
Rotorua Museum is looking for volunteers to help with an exciting conservation project.
In November 2013 the museum and Wingspan National Bird of Prey Centre formed a partnership to help secure the future of kārearea - the New Zealand native falcon - by releasing young birds into Rotorua's Government Gardens, the first urban release of a threatened species in New Zealand.
Continuing this successful project, two more female chicks were brought to the Museum in December (2014) for release early this month (January 2015).
The kārearea (falcon) is found only in New Zealand and is a protected species at risk of extinction. Falcon numbers are declining as a result of predation by introduced pests, habitat loss and human threats such as deliberate shooting. This urban release project is supported by the Department of Conservation.
Museum staff, Wingspan personnel and volunteers will be actively monitoring the young falcons, reporting sightings and the activities of the birds. If you would like to volunteer for this exciting conservation project, contact Julie Parsons at Rotorua Museum by email to julie.parsons@rdc.govt.nz, or by telephone on 07 351 7823.
A current museum exhibition explains more about these dynamic birds - the fastest bird in New Zealand - and why they need protection. For more information visit the Rotorua Museum website rotoruamuseum.co.nz.
Meanwhile Debbie Stewart, executive director at Wingspan, will be giving two free public talks at the museum this month. She will be bringing one of Wingspan's adult falcons with her, providing a great opportunity to see one of these rare and beautiful birds up close. The talks are at the museum at 10am on Saturday 24 January and Saturday 28 February.