The deaths of two more kiwis at the Whangarei
Museum kiwi house have not alarmed the Conservation
Department.
Department advisory scientist Ray Pierce confirmed the recent
deaths but said he was satisfied they had not been the result of
negligence.
Several chicks died at the Kiwi house and the Northpower Native
Bird Recovery Centre last year, and others were left deformed,
prompting a review of the museum's involvement in the Kiwi programme.
But the latest deaths do not have the department overly worried.
A male kiwi died recently as the result of a parasite infection.
Mr Pierce said he suspected a female, which had undergone testing for
rabbit calicvirus disease a year ago, had died because of
"aggressive attentions" from a male.
Results of an autopsy to find out if rcd had contributed to the death had
not
come back.
Mr Pierce said deaths were common among kiwis in captivity.
"Infection is something that we're trying to improve nationally, but
infortunately there are still some cases of infection and there are even
more cases of birds fighting".
Mr Pierce said kiwi house staff were following correct procedures in
caring for kiwis and he was satisfied they were doing an adequate job.
The woman responsible for captive kiwi in the North Island, Tracey Johnson
of Rotorua, was regularly consulted by the museum and department
about care of the kiwis.
Museum curator Stefan Tengblad would not comment on the deaths.
NZPA