June 2012
Another kiwi was killed by a dog at the Nook. Jackie’s Boy, a wild adult male kiwi that we have been monitoring for the past 2 years at the Nook has been killed by a pet dog on a lifestyle block. He is the fourth adult kiwi killed by dogs in this area in the past 2 years.
The photo of Jackie’s Boys body is pretty gruesome because it was scavenged 2-3 days after being killed. Often dog-killed kiwi have only minor marks on their body where they have been mouthed by the dog, it is unusual to find one eaten like this.
On a more positive note, the other monitored kiwi males are starting their nesting season. The data streams from their transmitters are showing mainly a reduction in activity as nesting begins.
·Jackie’s Boy – killed by dog at the Nook.
·Darwin – had his six monthly check done and is a fat 2480g ready for nesting. He is in the pampas at the Lamb’s quarry.
·JR- up at 6.30pm and active 11 hours-high up on southern end of Taurikura Ridge.
·Waka- up at 5pm and active 12 hours.
·Charlotte- OK –at Mckenzie Bay with Waka.
·Lambert- 6 days nesting on 21/6/12. Up at 8pm for 5 hours activity.
·Whitu- 9 days nesting on 21/6/12. Up at 1am for 4.5 hours activity.
·Charlie- up at 5.30pm and active 13 hours. He has settled in Craig road area North of McLeod Bay.
·Dallas- up at 6pm and active 10 hours. He is having a wander in the pines north of the Heads School at the moment.