Updated at 3:06 pm on 12 January 2013
Rare New Zealand birds have been transferred
from the subantarctic Snares Islands to a new home, to help protect the species
from extinction.
Snares Island snipe, also known as tutukiwi for
its long beak and ground living habit, were once widespread in New Zealand but
were wiped out from the mainland and many islands by predators like rats and
ferrets.
Of a population of about 200 on the islands, 30
have been moved to Codfish Island / Whenua Hou, off Stewart Island.
A South Island biodiversity ranger for DoC, Jo
Hiscock, says starting a new population of the bird is a precaution against
extinction.
Snipe transferred in 2005 from the Snares to
Putauhinu Island, off the south-west coast of Stewart Island, have grown to an
estimated population of over 500 birds.
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